Samuel John Spray, of Medora, passed away on the evening of June 25, 2026, at his home with his family by his side. He was 77.

Sam entered this life on December 31, 1948. He was the third child born to William and Jessie Marian (Day) Spray. He was the brother to George, William (Bill), Jr. Anne, and Mary Lea. Sam grew up in Medora, and was a graduate of Medora Community High School, Class of 1967.  He went on to Indiana Central College after graduating from Medora.  Before he was able to graduate from college, the US Army called Sam to serve. He served his duty in the Vietnam War before returning back to Medora in the fall of 1971. He went back to college after serving and finished his degree. Before leaving for service, he proposed to his future wife Diana (Frazier) Spray. On June 10, 1972, at the Freetown Methodist Church they were united in Holy Matrimony. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Seth and Carrie.

Sam had devotion in his heart. He was a devoted husband, father, and a proud Pappy. He was so many things to so many people, a track and basketball star, a gifted math teacher, a hardworking farmer, son, brother, and uncle. He was the biggest fan of his granddaughter Tae, watching her play soccer and track. Sam was a member of the Medora Methodist Church. Every Sunday he would serve homemade biscuits and gravy for the church members.

 Sam served as a teacher for Medora Community Schools. He was gifted in teaching math and science, according to his students. He would return to IU to earn his master’s degree. After 35 years of teaching, Sam decided to retire in 2013.  He also farmed on the side in his free time. He managed crops and cattle until his health declined.

He lived a life of hard work, quiet strength, and kindness. Whether he was teaching in the classroom, working in the fields, cheering on his family, sharing his wisdom, he made a lasting difference in the lives of everyone who knew him. His smile will be missed, his stories, and the example he set for all his family. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the students he inspired, and the countless lives that he touched.

His memories will forever be cherished with his family, wife Diana Spray of Medora, children, Seth Spray of Medora, and Carrie Spray of Noblesville, granddaughter Tae Gates of Noblesville, brother George Spray and his wife Barbara of Florida, and Mary Lea St. Clair and her husband Kenny of Medora, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, brother Bill Spray, Jr. and sister Anne Spray Kinney

Funeral services will be conducted at the Medora Methodist Church on Wednesday July 1, 2026, at 11:00 am with Larry Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at White River Valley Cemetery. Sam’s final salute to be given by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, and Disabled American Veterans Post 7, and the  Vietnam Vets 7, of Jackson County.  

Visitation will be at the Medora Methodist Church on Tuesday June 30, 2026, from 4-7 pm and after 10:00 am on Wednesday until time of the service.

Memorials may be written in Sam’s name to the Medora Methodist Church.

Final wishes have been entrusted to Hague Funeral Home of Medora.