1926
Jack
2015
Jack Allen Gray
December 31, 1926 — June 25, 2015
Jack Allen Gray of Hickory Corners, MI
Jack, age 88, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Ruby (Root) Gray on Thursday, June 25, 2015. He was born on December 31, 1926 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Elizabeth (Drake) Gray of Richland and his son, Jeffrey Allen Gray of Hickory Corners on July 4, 2009. Jack is survived by his devoted wife; his sister, Marcia J. Gray of Portage, MI; his daughters, Marcia A. Gray-Ford of Portage, Mary Susan Apadoca (Paul) of Albuquerque, NM, Carol L. Gray of Portage and Jacqueline (Bob) Kirshman of Augusta, MI; step son, Roy (Barb) Smith of Delton, MI and daughter-in-law Heidi Fooy of Parchment, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kelly (Jim) Seaton of FL, Jason Todd of Grand Rapids, MI, Wesley (Jennifer) Casarez of Hastings, MI Kaitlyn Ford of Three Rivers, MI and Jake Allen Gray of Parchment. His great grandchildren include Cory Winans of Hartford, MI, Donnie Squires of N. Carolina, Emily, Makayla and Holly Casarez of Hastings, Samantha Todd of Grand Rapids, and Kamden Ford of Three Rivers.
Jack was the great grandson of Benjamin and Maria Drake, who were the first white settlers in Oshtemo Township. His passion for raising crops and black angus cattle was passed down through three generations of successful Drake farmers. His family will also remember him for his love of dancing to swing music, playing the organ and his infamous frugality (which he was very proud of!). Jack retired from Conrail as a car inspector in 1990 after 30 years of diligent service and he served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army.
The Funeral Service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Monday, June 29th at 2:00 p.m. in the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) with Rev. Robert G. Muirhead of Battle Creek, officiating. Jack's family will greet friends on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. Memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be directed to Hospice of SW Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
Jack, age 88, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Ruby (Root) Gray on Thursday, June 25, 2015. He was born on December 31, 1926 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Elizabeth (Drake) Gray of Richland and his son, Jeffrey Allen Gray of Hickory Corners on July 4, 2009. Jack is survived by his devoted wife; his sister, Marcia J. Gray of Portage, MI; his daughters, Marcia A. Gray-Ford of Portage, Mary Susan Apadoca (Paul) of Albuquerque, NM, Carol L. Gray of Portage and Jacqueline (Bob) Kirshman of Augusta, MI; step son, Roy (Barb) Smith of Delton, MI and daughter-in-law Heidi Fooy of Parchment, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kelly (Jim) Seaton of FL, Jason Todd of Grand Rapids, MI, Wesley (Jennifer) Casarez of Hastings, MI Kaitlyn Ford of Three Rivers, MI and Jake Allen Gray of Parchment. His great grandchildren include Cory Winans of Hartford, MI, Donnie Squires of N. Carolina, Emily, Makayla and Holly Casarez of Hastings, Samantha Todd of Grand Rapids, and Kamden Ford of Three Rivers.
Jack was the great grandson of Benjamin and Maria Drake, who were the first white settlers in Oshtemo Township. His passion for raising crops and black angus cattle was passed down through three generations of successful Drake farmers. His family will also remember him for his love of dancing to swing music, playing the organ and his infamous frugality (which he was very proud of!). Jack retired from Conrail as a car inspector in 1990 after 30 years of diligent service and he served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army.
The Funeral Service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Monday, June 29th at 2:00 p.m. in the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) with Rev. Robert G. Muirhead of Battle Creek, officiating. Jack's family will greet friends on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. Memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be directed to Hospice of SW Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel
Funeral Service
Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel
Interment
Prairie Home Cemetery
Guestbook
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