Richard (Dick) Walter Gray, Jr. of Denton, Nebraska, died on June 8, 2024 ending a battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Brattleboro, VT and was moved to Nebraska at the age of 6 months. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, he attended Yankee Hill School, graduated from University High School, and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.
Dick was a member of Nebraska Association of Public Employee (past chairman), National Arbor Day Foundation, Audubon Society Wachiska Chapter—Conservation Committee, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Nebraska Turfgrass Foundation, Leafy Spurge, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Wild Flower Society, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Lancaster Masonic Lodge #54, the Denton Community Historical Society, and a once member of the Spring Creek Prairie Board. Dick had been active in these various organizations that revolved around his interests in prairie, native grasses, and wildflowers. Dick served five years in the Nebraska National Guard, the 34th Quarter Master unit, in Lincoln from February '57 to February '62.
He began his career with the Nebraska Department of Roads, State of Nebraska in February 1962. He served the public and the State of Nebraska as their agronomist for 43 years. He developed the limited mowing program and the wildflower planting on the roadsides.
Since 1966, he and his wife, Lee, worked tirelessly on their farm west of Denton. They developed a wildlife preserve, planted trees for conservations, and crops, as well as carefully tending their 10 acres of native prairie and their large garden.
Dick was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Brett Gray and his wife Shannon; Brett’s two children, Alexus McCullough and her husband Mike McCullough; and Conor J. W. Gray and his girlfriend Elissa Fisher. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren, Aiden McCullough, Wade McCullough, and Lena Fisher-Gray of Denton; Shannon’s children, Raven and Shiloh Heuertz of Lincoln; his brother, Jim Gray; and his sister, Mary Schmuck; along with many good friends. He was preceded in death by his best friend and wife of 47 years; their son, Brian Gray; Lee’s parent's, Richard W. Gray, Sr. and Dorthy Dillman Gray; as well as all of his aunts and uncles.
Dick was very interested in Wachiska Audubon Conservation Committee moreover he requested that it be the memorial. Dick leaves this thought with you ------------ WE MAY LOSE AND WE MAY WIN, BUT WE WILL NEVER BE HERE AGAIN -- DON’T LET THE SOUND OF YOUR OWN WHEELS DRIVE YOU CRAZY -- LIGHTEN UP WHILE YOU STILL CAN AND ENJOY LIFE! I DID!!
