Wray Charles McCalester , 75, retired minister and UAW official died peacefully at 2:05 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at Autumn Trace, Columbia City Assisted Living where he had resided since May 21, 2023 moving here from Lake City, Florida.

Born on June 9, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Howard E. and Helen Alice (Klabunde) McCalester. Growing up near Genoa City, Wisconsin, he graduated from Badger High School in Lake Geneva. He continued his education at Wisconsin State University, studying English.

Hiring into the General Motors truck plant in Janesville, WI in 1977, he began a 30-year journey as a union and labor advocate that would bring him to the newly built Fort Wayne Assembly Plant. During a lay-off at Janesville, he pursued a career with the National Chess Federation in New Windsor, NY. Having a young daughter to raise and most of his family in Wisconsin, he returned to the Janesville plant. Before the closure of the Janesville assembly plant, Wray transferred to the Fort Wayne Assembly plant, to help ensure that the union was in place before the plant even opened where he was a Charter Member of the UAW local 2209.  He earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for the union personnel.

Wray wanted to share in the love of Christ and welcome those who may not have had a relationship with Christ's love in the past. He became a lay minister for the United Methodist Church in Wolf Lake and brought many to Christ through his down-to-earth and approachable demeanor. As testament to his faith, he delivered his sermons from memory. During his tenure at the church, he identified the need for medical care for the area residents and started a free weekly medical clinic at his church. To provide more and better care, the clinic relocated to Columbia City. He completed his ministry at the Sparta United Church of Christ in Kimmell. He retired to Lake City, Florida.

Among his many talents, he was a champion chess player, a poet, enjoyed photography, loved baseball and was passionate about art, amassing an impressive collection. From watercolors to oils, vases to Japanese wood prints, he admired them all and knew their history. He donated a large portion of his collection to the Fort Wayne Art Museum. He liked to travel or, at home, listen to jazz music. Having many dogs through the years, he leaves behind his beloved miniature pinscher - Roscoe, and large boxer mix – Petey.

Surviving is a daughter, Kristen (William) Keitzler of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Heather (Calyb) Tittman of Fort Wayne and Nicholas Keitzler; a great-grandson, Devyn Tittman; a sister, Karen S. Medina of Churubusco; nieces, Jenna Medina, and Helena Medina both of Churubusco; nephews, Robert Cave of Beecher, IL, and Howard Cave of Denver, CO; and three great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the "love of his life," Marcelena DiPrimio.

The funeral service is 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Visitation is 4 p.m. until the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Wray will be interred in Genoa City, WI, at a later date.

Memorials in Wray's honor are to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or St Jude Children's Hospital.