Dennis Michael Gray

With hearts both grateful and heavy, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Dennis Michael Gray—our “Miracle Man.” Surrounded by the enduring love of his devoted wife of 55 years, Dorothy “Cheryl” Gray, and cherished family, Dennis peacefully departed this earthly life on May 18, 2026, and now rests in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Dennis was born on November 6, 1950, in Tampa, Florida, to Frank and Rose Mary Gray. He grew up in a close-knit family as the big brother to David (Shari), Suzy (Norm), and Tricia (Danny). The Gray family were members of Jackson Heights Baptist Church, where faith, friendship, and fellowship shaped the course of Dennis’s life. It was there that they formed a lifelong bond with the Hagin family—Dorothy, Berton, Cheryl, and Mark (Glenna)—and where a childhood friendship with Cheryl blossomed into a beautiful love story. Through shared summers at Lake Hiawatha, church picnics, and family camping trips, their connection deepened into a partnership that would span a lifetime.

Dennis answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy in May 1969. Soon after, he and Cheryl were united in marriage on July 3, 1970, beginning a journey marked by unwavering love, faith, and companionship. Following his honorable service, Dennis built a successful career with Lanier (Ricoh), where he worked as a Director of Technology Services until his retirement in 2014.

Retirement rewarded Dennis and Cheryl with the simple joys they treasured most—time together in Hiawassee, biking along quiet paths near their home in Orlando, boating on peaceful Florida waters, welcoming neighborhood children with warmth and laughter, and staying closely connected to family and dear friends.

Dennis measured his life not only by accomplishments, but by the relationships he nurtured. His greatest love was Cheryl, his lifelong partner and best friend since the age of six. He was a constant source of encouragement to his nieces and nephews (Dani, Sean, Randi, Makenna, Sami, Jason, Chris, Mikayla, Abby, Michael, Ryan and his great nieces and nephews), celebrating their every milestone as if it were his own. He was a loyal friend, always ready with a story, a laugh, or an invitation to fish or golf. To the neighborhood children, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Dennis,” though many loved him as an honorary uncle.

We will carry his love and memory with us always. Heaven welcomed a wonderful man and we gained and angel.