Roy Bernard “Skip” Pray, resident of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023 at age 69. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Skip was born July 21, 1954, in Amarillo, Texas, to the late Robert and Ursula Pray. Skip was a longtime resident of Hampton, Virginia, and had most recently resided in Gloucester since 2021. Skip mastered several occupations throughout his lifetime, and was most proud of his partnership with four friends to start up Hampton Roads Vending & Food Services Co. in 1986 where he ran the music and games division. He left in 2000 to begin a career in real estate until he retired in 2019. Skip’s love of music was a huge part of his life! A self-taught guitar player, he learned to play numerous other instruments throughout his life. He was a member of Detour and The Turquoise Band that brought many years of enjoyment, friendship, and fun. In his free time, he loved being near the water, boating, fishing, camping, and growing his vegetable gardens, and especially looked forward to the Cumberland County throwdowns! His survivors include Chris Sobieski Pray, his wife of 34 years; children, Jeni Turpin, Robert Pray (Brooke), and Sarah Giordano (Nicholas); grandchildren, Rylan and Laney Turpin, Abbey and Layton Pray; his sister, Lani Burns (Blair) of Salem, Va., and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Skip loved his family and always enjoyed gathering with them and friends. He left this world a better place and will be sorely missed by all. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home in Gloucester. A memorial service will be held at Hogg Funeral Home on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. In memory of Skip, contributions may be made to Middlesex Pet Friends for Life, P.O. Box 145, Saluda, Va. 23149; or Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.