Jacob A Gray

Born October 27, 1941 in Bellevue to Richard and Alice (Woods) Gray, he married Dixie Lee Brown on November 30, 1958 in Bellevue. She survives.

He also leaves to cherish his memory one son, Jacob A. "Jay" Gray, Jr. of Sumter, South Carolina; two daughters, Bridgette L. Angelo of Pekin and Brenda S. (Dave) Eberley of Trivoli; six grandchildren, Joy (Derick) Tassart, T.J. Angelo, both of Pekin, Amy Angelo of Peoria, David Eberley, Maggie Eberley and Marcy Eberley, all of Trivoli; three great-grandchildren, Michael Angelo, Aubrey Tassart and Allie Tassart and one brother, Kenny Gray of Bartonville.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles Gray and Donald Gray and two sisters, Ruth Miller and Judy Bushong.

A 1959 graduate of Limestone High School in Bartonville, Jake was a City of Pekin firefighter for 25 years, retiring as captain in 1992. He also was well known for founding Christian Brothers Western Stores throughout Central Illinois.

He was actively involved for many years at Faith Baptist Church in Pekin, where he was a deacon, school board member, Sunday school teacher and bus driver. At the time of his death, he was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in rural Morton.

His other interests and hobbies included traveling in his motor home, watching car races, reading and just spending time with family and friends, who will miss him greatly.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2008at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 18040 Unsicker Road in rural Morton. The Rev. Dr. Steven E. Hauter and Rev. Ronald Thacker will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 18, 2008at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and also from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Smithville Cemetery. The Pekin Fire Department Honor Guard will provide honors at the funeral home, church and cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Youth Building Fund, P.O. Box 924, Morton, IL 61550.