Matthew John Spray

Matthew John Spray

Fairfield

Matthew John Spray, 43, of Fairfield, died at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport early Sunday, February 19, 2023. He was born August 9, 1979, in Ottumwa, the son of Randall Craig and Denise Irene Bonney Spray. Matt grew up in Richland and graduated from Pekin High School in 1997 then attended Indian Hills Community College, majoring in Music. He married Kim Eastman and they later divorced. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and later served in the Iowa Army National Guard. Matt worked as a truck driver for Panama Transfer in Richland and Blackhawk Farms in Richland, and played for a short time for the Bridge City Knights semi-pro football team in Ottumwa and helped to build the Burlington Express semi-pro team. Matt was an amazing singer and multi-talented musician. His only passion greater than music was his ferocious love for his family.

Matt is survived by his mother and stepfather, Denise and Winn Gregory of Pella, four children: Skyler Spray Haun of Douds, J.T. Spray and Brogan Spray, both of Packwood, and Amelia Samuelson of Fairfield; three brothers: Mark Spray (Tiffany) of New Sharon, Mike Spray (Melissa) of Knoxville and Morgan Spray of Pella; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1992 and his grandparents: Ted and Eileen Spray and Donald Bonney and Evelyn Wright.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Woolson Friends Church south of Richland with Rev. Jerry Hoover officiating. Burial will follow in Richland Friends Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Thursday, February 23, 2023 also at the church. Military Honors will be provided by Richland American Legion Post No. 504. Memorials for his family may be left at the church or mailed to the family at: Denise Gregory, 1012 Fountain View Drive, Pella, IA 50219. Gould Funeral Home of Richland is in charge of arrangements.