Mr. Gray proudly served his country in the United States Army, 3rd Armored Division, during the Battle of the Bulge, in WWII; serving under General George S. Patton. He also was involved in the liberation of three concentration camps. He was a member of the local Gateway Chapter of the VBOB (Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge). He was also a member of the Belleville Plumber’s Local 101, for 50 years, the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department, for 22 years, and the Lebanon Singers Club. He was Mr. Fix-it, and was willing to take on any project for his family and friends. He enjoyed playing golf and taking family vacations. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who will truly be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin C. and Lydia M., nee Bittles, Gray; two brothers, Gene and James Gray; and two sisters, Lois Gray and Doris Kues.
Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Flora Gray, nee Taber; his children, James (Kathi) Gray, Carla (James) Kelley, and Ellen (Robert) Nuernberger; his grandchildren, Sean (Sophia) Kelley, Jaime (Darren) Eads, Jason Gray, Shannon Sopko, William “Bobby” (Michelle) Taylor, and Emily Taylor; and eight great grandchildren, Riley, Tyler, Kayla, Krista, Sasha, Suri, Addison, and Nicholas.
Memorials are appreciated to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.
A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Lebanon, Illinois. Interment will be held privately in College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Illinois.
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