Edward E. Gray, Sr.

Edward E. Gray, Sr., 78, of Springfield, died at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Edward was born February 17, 1939 in Springfield, the son of William J. and Vera Bowers Gray, Sr. He married Shirley (Phillips) Glickman on December 10, 1983 in Springfield. Edward proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy. He retired from sales in 2002, and was the owner of Northtown Vacuum. He was a member of Cherry Hills Baptist Church, Coin Collectors Club, and Prairie Land Country Dancers in Illiopolis, and enjoyed playing card games with his friends. Edward was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William J. Gray, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Springfield; son, Edward E. Gray, Jr. of Springfield; daughter, Jackie Lynn of Chicago; step-sons, J.W. Pierceall of Springfield and Andrew Hamilton of St. Augustine, FL; grandchildren, Shannon of Savannah, GA and Joshua of Las Vegas, NV; step-grandchildren, Amanda of Springfield and Candice of Illiopolis; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Charles Gray, Gary Gray, and Nancy Bettis; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Ceremony and Visitation: 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield with Pastor Brian Schwarberg officiating. A visitation will follow until 6:00 p.m. Private family burial will be held.