George Fray

George William Fray II, known as Skeeter to many, was called Home to heaven on Wednesday, March 23rd at 77 years of age. The cause of his death was congestive heart failure, revealed by a massive heart attack the Sunday prior to his passing.
Born in Hollywood, California on August 2, 1944 to Geraldine (Hopkins) and George W. Fray, he grew up in Bellflower, California. He met Sonja Landmon (Fray) at church in 1962, and their relationship led to marriage in August 1964.
While in high school Skeeter worked for Southern California Edison as a draftsman, and subsequently for 3 years as a lineman. He began learning the plumbing trade working for his uncle Ted’s (Hopkins) business, and worked for other companies as he completed his 5-year apprenticeship in construction plumbing with Southern California Pipe Trades, from which he retired after 36 years. His knowledge of his trade expanded so that he was able to work as an estimator for Reese Mechanical and a foreman for Chapman Mechanical. After retiring from the plumber’s union, George worked as a construction superintendent and project manager for Pinner Construction for seventeen years, and over the past six years for Bowe Contractors, Inc. He worked on projects such as Martin Luther Hospital, JPL, Pier T of the Port of Los Angeles, and several colleges and schools. He is known by his colleagues as a man of integrity and of a strong work ethic, and as one who loves the Lord Jesus.
Skeet was blessed by God with a love for music. He was gifted with a beautiful baritone voice, and from his youth he sang in church choirs, served as a worship leader, and eventually travelled to many churches throughout the southland of California with Country Gospel Jubilee (CGJ), a band formed from musicians at his church. The heart of all the members of CGJ was to bring encouragement and salvation in Christ to others by lifting up the truth of the good news given in Christ’s death, resurrection, forgiveness of sins, and new life. Skeeter served for 5 years as an Orange County District Youth Pastor for the Foursquare denomination, and in churches as a youth pastor, construction supervisor, and board member.
Skeet is also known for his love of all things ‘fast’. Racing was his favorite sport, building dune-buggy and sand-rail engines was a favorite hobby, and mostly he loved “playing” in the desert with those vehicles, taking on some of the most challenging hills to climb with them.
Skeeter loved and lived for the Lord Jesus and his family. He said there was nothing better than having his family gather. His wife Sonja was truly the love of his life, and he took delight in relating with each member of his family, sharing his love with them richly. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sonja Darlene (Landmon) Fray; children Ron (Belinda) Fray, Dan Fray, and Darlene Fray; grandchildren Tara Verbeck, Rene Verbeck, Daniel (Evelyn) Fray, Kristin (Nick) Block, Jacob Fray, Chelsea (Ethan) Robinson, Ronnie (Cassie) Fray, Jennifer Fray, Aaron (Danielle) Fray; several great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Aidan, Mieka, Tristan, Reagan, Gianna, Elizabeth (Elsie) Ann and Grace; his sister Sandra (Robert) French, sister-in-law Cheri Fray, sister-in-law Judy Landmon, and brother-in-law Mark (Charlene) Landmon; and numerous cousins and nieces and nephews who adore him. Skeeter was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Scott Edward Fray Sr.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hope Chapel, 6015 W. Avenue J-8, Lancaster, CA 93536. Flowers for the service should arrive to the church by 9:30 AM. Family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday beginning at 10:30 AM. Those unable to attend in person may view the service online at the given time or later on Hope Chapel’s YouTube channel (click here for link). For those attending the service, lunch will be served at Hope Chapel following. The graveside service will be held at 2:25 PM at Joshua Mortuary and Memorial Park, 808 E. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93535 (Lancaster Blvd. & Challenger Way).
The family wishes to thank our extended family and friends for the love you have poured on us and for how you loved Skeeter. We also thank the medical personnel at Antelope Valley hospital for their extraordinary and attentive care of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.