Obituary / Link

Douglas Porray

https://www.olpinmortuary.com/obituaries/douglas-porray?cta=fh-website

Douglas Roswell Porray, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 29, 2025, in Provo, Utah, at the age of 72. Doug was born on June 13, 1953, in Rochester, New York to his loving parents, Roswell and Jean Porray. Doug grew up in a small town of Ontario, New York where Doug’s strong work ethic was shaped in childhood, growing up on a farm in New York. Summers were spent picking cherries with metal buckets tied around the waist, baling hay, mowing the lawns around multiple homes and outbuildings, and playing baseball or army with friends. He loved building model airplanes and played baritone in both school and Navy bands — even making a record with his school orchestra. He also helped with lighting and stage production during high school musicals. Like many farm kids, he had a “lot car” he drove through the orchards — an old, unlicensed car for backroads and field fun. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971 immediately after graduating from high school. After completing training at Great Lakes and Key West, he served in Rhode Island, San Diego, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Virginia. His naval service took him around the globe, and he proudly participated in the “Crossing the Line” ceremony, officially becoming a “shellback” by crossing the equator. After 10 years of active duty, Doug transitioned to the Navy Reserves, where he continued to serve until his retirement in January, 2000 serving for 28 years. He was so proud of his time in the Navy, the lessons he learned, the friends he gained and the memories he held onto. Doug married Judith Hughes in 1972. Together, they had four children, all born on naval stations during his time in active duty. Following his service, Doug joined the Naval Reserves, and the family relocated to Provo, Utah in 1981, where he attended Brigham Young University and began building a new chapter of life. Although they later divorced, Doug and Judith remained connected through the family they created. Though he didn’t complete a degree, he began working at Brigham Young University and remained there until his retirement. During his time stationed in Hawaii, Doug took the missionary lesson and on October 5, 1974, he became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and sealed to his family in the Laie Hawaii Temple. He remained an active and faithful member throughout his life, serving in a variety of administrative callings, but his favorite calling was Ward and Stake Clerk and contributing to his church community with dedication. Doug had a quiet way of showing his love for the Savior and sharing his testimony by serving those around him, especially his family. Doug was known for his quiet generosity, gentle humor, and deep love for his family. He adored his children and especially his grandchildren. Doug showed up for every sporting event, concerts, and dance recitals, always proud and present. Even as his mobility became harder to attend events, his family would find ways that he could always be present to attend and be the best cheerleader to his Children and Grandchildren. Halloween was one of his favorite traditions, and he made it special by preparing custom treat bags for each grandchild, filled with their favorite full-size candy bars. Though they spoke frequently, during the pandemic, he began calling his sister and brother-in-law every other day, a tradition that continued long after lockdowns ended. Doug was a fan of spy novels and science fiction, especially Star Trek, and enjoyed classic Westerns and military movies. Even as mobility challenges slowed him down in recent years, Doug remained upbeat and determined, greeting everyone with a smile and genuine warmth. Doug was a man of quiet strength, steady love, and unwavering service — to his family, his faith, and his country. His sudden passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Roswell and Jean Porray; his son, Timothy Porray; and his son-in-law, Scott Johnson and 2 grandchildren, Allysa and Ethan. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Gordon Levine; his children, David Porray, Robyn Johnson, and Scott (Nicole) Porray; 17 grandchildren — Kazeley (Scott), Madison, Isaac, Maxwell, Chloe, Taylor (Tate), Maleah, Abigail, Patrick, Saige (Isaiah), Jaxson (Emily), Kayla, Mason, Taylynn, and Ariyana and one great-grandson, Ikaika Webb. He also leaves behind his nephew Alexander Levine, niece Christina Levine, and great-nephew Liam Levine. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Grove Creek First Ward Chapel, 1176 North 730 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 9:00 – 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.