Lewis W Gray

He was born on September 27, 1936, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Lewis Willard Gray and Margaret Regina Gray (Miller). Raised in Ottumwa, he attended Catholic Central High School, where he played basketball and wrestled, forming friendships and memories that endured throughout his life. Lew carried a lifelong love for his hometown, returning often to visit family and friends.

Following high school, Lew attended Iowa State University earning a degree in Engineering and was a member of the Sig-Ep fraternity. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, before being stationed at Monteith Barracks near Nurnberg, Germany, during the height of the Cold War. While there, he seized every opportunity to explore Europe, often recalling fondly his time in East Berlin trading cigarettes with Russian troops.

It was in Germany that Lew met the love of his life, Nancy Joyce Hoeft, who managed Army libraries in the region. The two were married in November 1960 in the small church on base. Their honeymoon was a spirited adventure, traveling across Europe in a battered VW Beetle that often broke down but left them with unforgettable memories.

Returning to Ottumwa, Lew began what would become a distinguished 26-year career with IBM. Starting as a sales representative in Des Moines, he rose through the ranks to serve in leadership roles across the country, including Branch Manager in Jefferson City, District Manager in New Orleans, and Region Manager in Dallas. His career culminated in Atlanta, where he held multiple executive positions, including Vice President of Sales and President of the NMD & SWMD Divisions. After retiring from IBM as a corporate officer, Lew continued to share his expertise by serving on several corporate boards, including BMC Software.

In retirement, Lew and Nancy embraced their love of travel, journeying across the United States and Europe, often with cherished friends. He especially enjoyed attending reunions, from his Catholic Central classmates, his Harvard AMP class, and countless IBM colleagues. At home, he and Nancy found joy in restoring and living in Holly Hill, their beloved pre-Civil War home in Roswell, Georgia. In later years, as mobility became more challenging, they moved to Adairsville, Georgia, to be close to family.

Lew is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Nancy; his son, Michael (Cindy); his daughter, Elizabeth Lewis (Brian); grandchildren Danielle Fowler (Jordan), Olivia Jedrzejak (Tyler), and James Lewis; and his sister, Regina Garvey (Brian). He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Willard Gray and Margaret Gray, and his sister, Rose Marie Schwab.

Lew will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his loyalty to friends, his passion for travel, and his remarkable career. Above all, he will be remembered for the love and laughter he shared with those fortunate enough to know him.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Caregivers that gave Lew such tremendous care and support. Thank you, Njeri, Esther, Joan, Perry, Holly and granddaughter Danielle.

A small memorial and celebration of life gathering will be held at Magnolia Creek Farms Venue, 1655 Hwy 140 NW, Adairsville, GA on Sunday November 2nd at 2pm. Casual attire with food and drinks being served.