Forrest Nyles Bray's Obituary
Born in Miami, Florida, Forrest grew up in Franklin, Indiana, the son of Edelle and Harlan Bray. From a young age, it was clear that Forrest possessed a rare and remarkable mechanical mind. A lifelong tinkerer and problem solver, he could build, design, repair, or invent almost anything he set his mind to.
After serving in the United States Army, Forrest pursued a career as a mechanical engineer and master machinist. He owned and operated his own machine shop for many years, earning contracts with NASA and other government agencies. Those who worked with him quickly learned that Forrest was the person you turned to when something needed to be figured out. He loved the challenge of building and inventing far more than recognition or profit, and he generously shared his knowledge with anyone eager to learn.
Forrest’s passions extended far beyond the workshop. He loved flying planes, restoring and racing cars, scuba diving, fishing, skiing, and exploring the outdoors. Before becoming a father, he even funded and raced his own Formula Ford race car. Later in life, he was proud to be part of a restoration team that worked on the legendary Bugatti Atlantic, a project that earned top honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
But Forrest’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family.
He was a deeply devoted husband to his wife, Lorrie, whose loving and playful marriage set a lasting example for everyone around them. Forrest never missed an opportunity to tease her affectionately, often calling out “Did you go to Phoenix and back?” whenever she took a little too long coming home.
As a father, Forrest was extraordinary. He was endlessly curious, deeply empathetic, and never afraid to listen, learn, or apologize when needed. He believed that emotions and kindness were strengths, not weaknesses, and made sure his children always knew they were loved and valued.
He proudly supported his children, Sarah and Harlan, in every pursuit from basketball games and baseball tournaments to track meets, and countless other activities. Even when joking that track and field was “not a spectator sport,” he was always there.
Life with Forrest also meant laughter. Family car rides often included his now legendary Dairy Queen song “Let’s all go to the Dairy Queen…” repeated until his children joined in and their mother finally gave in. Years later, he still proudly ordered “two chocolate cones with rainbow sprinkles for my two adult children” at the drive-through.
Forrest’s garage was more than a workshop, it was a classroom. It was where projects turned into life lessons, where curiosity was encouraged, and where confidence was quietly built. Through his patience, creativity, and encouragement, he gave his children not only skills, but the confidence to face life’s challenges.
Even in his final moments, Forrest’s concern was for those he loved. His last words to his children were simple and characteristic of the man he was: “Go have fun.” It was a final act of selflessness from someone who always put others first.
Forrest is survived by his beloved wife, Lorrie; his children, Harlan Bray and Sarah Bray; his daughter-in-law, Caitlin; his mother, Edelle Bray-Shockley; his sisters, Lana and Ellen; and his brother, Tom.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harlan Bray, and his sisters, Mary Alice and Anne.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Haven House Coffee Bar and Eatery in Safety Harbor, Florida. Forrest Bray was a builder in every sense of the word; of machines, ideas, and most importantly, people. The lessons he taught, the confidence he instilled, and the love he gave will continue to shape the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
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