Joseph "Joe" Gray

Born April 2, 1958 in Peoria, he was the son of Roland Wayne and Doris Elaine (Moeri) Gray. He married Deanna Sue Pemberton on January 19, 1985 in Peoria.

Surviving are his wife, Deanna Gray; one daughter, Christina “Christie” (Matt) Edmonds of Morris, Oklahoma; one son, Matthew (Brittany) Gray of Mason, Ohio; one sister, Susan “Sue” (William “Willie”) Bonnell of Metamora; four nieces and two nephews.

His parents preceded in death.

He was a 1976 graduate of Peoria Central High School.

Joe worked for FedEx as an independent contractor for many years. He later worked for Precision Planting in the warehouse for several years, retiring in 2023.

A devoted husband and father, he spent many seasons supporting his children in their various sports and activities. Joe also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his great niece, Isabella and two great nephews, Maxwell and Jaxton.

Joe attended Summit Nazarene Church in Washington.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Summit Nazarene Church in Washington. Pastor Greta Nash will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also one half hour prior to the funeral Wednesday at the church. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral. Inurnment will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Summit Nazarene Church, 201 North Summit Drive, Washington, IL 61571 or to Apostolic Christian Restmor, Inc, 1500 Parkside Avenue, Morton, IL 61550.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com