Julian Bunn Wray, age 80, died at home on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Despite dire medical odds, he was determined to spend one last Christmas with his family.

Julian graduated from Shelby High School in 1961. He was a fierce linebacker for the Golden Lions coached by Pearly Allen, he proudly wore #50. He also received the J.L. Suttle Tennis Award. Following high school, Julian attended Wake Forest University and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law.

Before his retirement at age 75, Julian was known as a consummate trial lawyer and a tireless advocate for his clients, earning the respect of colleagues, adversaries, court clerks, jurors and judges alike. His legal career spanned a period of 50 years, first as a trust officer with Branch Bank & Union Trust Bank; then as an Assistant District Attorney for the 27th Judicial District that formerly encompassed Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln Counties; and finally in private practice as an Associate Attorney with Horn, West & Horn; and as a partner with Kennedy, Church, Paksoy & Wray. Julian finished his career (of counsel) to the law firm of Teddy, Meekins & Talbert.

Julian's distinguished legal career also involved serving Cleveland County in various capacities as County Attorney advising the Board of Commissioners; the first Guardian Ad-litem Attorney; Attorney for the Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Mental Health Department. Julian also served the City of Shelby as the Attorney for the ABC board and chairmen of the Board of Adjustments.

Julian served the local bar as President of the Cleveland County Bar Association. He was also a long-standing member of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, now the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

As a man of faith, Julian loved his church and was an active 52-year member of Central United Methodist Church where he served as Chair of the Trustee Board and Stewardship Committee. Over a period of 35 years he taught three different Sunday School classes.

Julian Wray was a family man. Nothing was more important than spending time with his family. He was affectionately known as Pop Pop by his grandchildren and reading buddies at Jefferson Elementary School.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents, George Washington Wray and Nancy Bunn Wray; his brother, George Washington Wray, Jr.; nephews, Christopher and Stuart Wray; and brothers-in-law, Dave and Keith Creswell.

Left to cherish everlasting memories are his wife, Anne Creswell Wray; daughters, Julianne Wray McDowell (Dave), Jennifer Wray Tea (Travis), and Rebecca Marian Wray; four beloved grandchildren, Wray and LeeAnne McDowell, Wyatt and Avery Tea; sisters-in-law, Annette Wray, Pat Faggart, and Melba Bridges; a host of nieces and nephews; and Sunny, the family cat.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate charitable donations to: Central United Methodist Church of Shelby, 200 East Marion Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, or Children's Homes of Cleveland County, 1300 Gidney St., Suite C, Shelby, NC 28150.

The family will receive friends at Cecil Burton Funeral home on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Fawn Mikel officiating. The burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the Wray family.