Donald E. Gray, age 79, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021 following a brief illness. He was born on May 1, 1941 in Barbourville, KY, but had been a proud resident of Willard (and patron of Uncle Dudley’s) for many decades. He worked on the railroad for over 30 years.
Don never met a stranger—he was a good-spirited, kindhearted friend to all. Whether with a quick-witted joke or a piece of candy, he was determined to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don loved to tell stories, listen to bluegrass, admire (and acquire) classic cars, and play along with episodes of Match Game. He liked to travel backroads, and drop in on family and friends to share a laugh and a pot of coffee. He will always be a proud U.S. Marine, and he loved to tell stories of his time stationed in Okinawa and use the Japanese expressions he learned. Don’s faith in Jesus was his core, and it gave him strength these long years without his beloved Ella.
Most of all, he loved to give love. As Don, he cherished his wife; as Dad, he cherished his daughters; and as Papaw, he cherished his grandchildren. He made sure to let them—and everyone else—know they were his pride and joy.
He is survived by his two daughters, Pam (Chris) Schwan and Tami (Greg) Benedict; five grandchildren, Drayton Benedict, Emily Schwan, Harrison Benedict, William Schwan, and Audrey Benedict; two brothers, Harold and Bobby Gray; and many more cousins, nieces, nephews, loved ones, and fond acquaintances.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ella (Sallee) Gray, whom he wed on October 12, 1963; parents, John and Lena Gray; brothers, Herman and Vernon Gray; and in-laws Oscar and Grethel Sallee.
To keep those he loved healthy, Don’s fantastanomical life will be celebrated at a private, COVID-safe ceremony (for livestream details, email [email protected]). Don will be buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, next to Ella. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be shared to local charities.
Condolences
Patti cok - Jan 31, 2021
My deepest sympathies to all of Don’s family! I got to know Don at the laundromat! He was so loving and very kind to me! He always came in with a smile and he left with a smile on my smile! I will miss him dearly!
Shelley Weiss Hershiser - Jan 29, 2021
Pam, Tami, and families- so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a great man. He always brought us chocolate when he came to see us at the store; as he did many other store workers. He always had a smile on his face. I know he will be missed by you guys-but know he touched the lives of so many! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robie Pena - Jan 29, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a true friend and great person. I really enjoyed working with him.
Polly Robinson Cummings - Jan 28, 2021
I am so sorry for the worlds loss of Donnie Gray. The most kind hearted man on Gods green earth. I am so sad to hear this. May he Rest In Peace and rejoice with the lord and be reunited with his beautiful bride.
Melvin E Back and Robert C Halm Jr - Jan 28, 2021
My dear family. What a tremendous loss. Your dad was one of the good ones. His presence was always noticed. I continue to live with so many memories of myself and Uncle Don. Remember our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. We love you all!
Pastor Gene Dasher, Sr Cleveland TN - Jan 28, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Donnie leaving us. He has longed for Heaven and He is at peace now with Ella. He has been a wonderful friend since 1979 when we met as his Pastor. Lots of fun, great to be around My prayers continue for all his family
Scott Benedict - Jan 28, 2021
To my Brother & Sister-In-Law, and the whole family, we're so sorry for your loss & may His peace & comfort be with you all. I will remember Don as always smiling & as a much loved & loving grandfather. He never gave me any candy though, but Don I will collect when I see you again. Hallelujah, we will see you there with our Heavenly Father & His Son!
Joan Montgomery - Jan 27, 2021
So sorry for your lost! Prayers for the family! I went to church with him & Ella. He was a kind & gentle man. He was always smiling & loved to joke around with people. He made me laugh alot!
Beth Fenner - Jan 27, 2021
So sorry Tamara to hear of your dad's passing. Such a wonderful person. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danette Detterman - Jan 27, 2021
Oh what a gentleman. I can't think of one time that I seen him that he didn't make me smile. He was contagious like that. You guys have so many hundreds of Wonderful memories between you all. Just remember this is only a temporary break from Dad & Papaw. We will see him again when we crossover to Heaven too. But I must admit no matter my sadness here right now, the vision of him and Ella, her greeting him and him running to her, the Love of his Life makes me smile. He is sad to go, he Loved you all so very much he was always talking about you but so happy to arrive. What a homecoming for him, God and his Girl. You All have very BIG Angels keeping an eye out for you up there. They Never really leave, if you Always have them in your Heart.
Just out of sight for the time being. I Love you all. Your a Great family, BIG HUGS sent to you from me.
Gene Back and family - Jan 27, 2021
Always loved seeing Donnie and Ella & girls come to visit KY. Always a good time, full of laughter and story telling. Heaven has gained another angel, the world and family has lost a loving, caring, God fearing man.
Darla and John Conley - Jan 27, 2021
We are so sorry for your great loss. Donnie was such a pleasant kind man. Deepest Sympathy 🙏🏻
Rose and Gary Pittenger - Jan 26, 2021
So, sorry for your loss. Don was a very nice man. I worked a drug mart and he always had a smile and gave you a piece of candy. Rest in piece
Deb - Jan 26, 2021
My condolences to all family and friends. Uncle Donny you will be greatly missed. You brighten everyone's day. Rain or shine good or bad days u always had a smile for everyone. We love you. RIP. thank you for blessing us all
Brian Bevier - Jan 26, 2021
Was just thinking about Don the other day. Each and everytime I saw him he greeted me with a smile and handshake. One of the true blessings of our Father's creations. I am humbled to have known him. R.I.P. Don
David Dalton SR - Jan 26, 2021
Sorry to hear of the passing of Don, he was a pleasure to work with on the railroad. I'm sure he will be missed by all his amily and friends.
Joanna Back - Jan 26, 2021
Pam and Tami - - I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. What a joy he was! He was always such fun! His love of life and family and especially his love for the Lord. He will be missed.
Dale & Lou Ann Seaman - Jan 26, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Don and I started on the railroad about the same time and worked together a lot and have good friends ever since. He will really be missed.
Shelly Daniel - Jan 26, 2021
Pam - Sorry for your loss.
Tiger and Sue Maudsley - Jan 26, 2021
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Have known him for years. Such a sweet guy. Now he is with his Ella! Thoughts and prayers and hugs, God Bless.
Jan Lindsey - Jan 26, 2021
Pam, Chris, Emily, and Will I am so sorry to hear of PaPaw. He was so very nice and pleasant and when he came in to Drug Mart he always left a piece of candy for all the cashiers. He will truly be missed I'm sure by the whole family. My deepest sympathy to the whole family
Bill and Loretta Reynolds - Jan 26, 2021
Sincere condolences to your family. Don was always the nicest person. God bless you all during this time.
Karen & Charlie Hatfield - Jan 26, 2021
Pam and all extended family, may the good memories sustain you while you work through this loss. It is quite a jolt to find you now are the foundation of the family, you will carry that mantle well. Wish I could give you a long over due hug.....take rest in knowing Don knew he had a great family to carry on his legacy.
Natalie Sallee - Jan 26, 2021
So sorry for your loss. He was really nice guy and always made you feel welcomed! Loved his sense of humor. May God comfort all of you.
Carl and Dianne Stehle - Jan 26, 2021
Dear Tami and family, we are so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. We both loved “Grandpa” and always looked forward to seeing him at the Harry’s many sporting events. Don was such a kind, generous and jovial person to be with! He was definitely one of a kind! Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Robin Kuhn - Jan 26, 2021
Pam and Tami,
Very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Oneofthe first guys I worked with on the railroad. He taught me a lot and we were very good friends.
Bev Ganni - Jan 26, 2021
Pam and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We spent many hours over coffee at Dudley’s. Now, many of those railroad stories will be told in Heaven. God bless each of you and bring you peace.
Harry and Judy Myers - Jan 26, 2021
Harry and I had the privilege of being in church as pastor with Donnie and Ella for four years starting in 1975. We remained precious friends with them from that day until the time we lost both of them even though time and place separated us we love them so very much God bless this family . We love you all. The girls are special to my children as well. Donna came to visit us right after we moved back to Willard three years ago and we haven't seen him since. But closeness isn't always in proximity and we remain close to Donnie. He will be so missed.
Brianna McCullough - Jan 26, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. This is very sad news. Donnie always went out of his way to put a smile on my face and did the same to my girls. He trained me on the railroad and I was fortunate enough to work side by side with him as well. He tought me tricks that made my life on the railroad a little easier. He has always had a special place in my heart and it saddens me that he is gone but I know he is with his wife that he has missed so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love you all.
Karen Wilkinson - Jan 26, 2021
What an amazing tribute to an amazing person. Perfect depiction of him. Love and strength to you all.
Penny - Jan 26, 2021
Tammy/Pam and family: very sad to hear of this. The kids and I have so many fond memories of both your parents and Donnie’s sense of humor. Much love and many prayers to you all.
Lauri and Tim Conley - Jan 26, 2021
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Michael gray - Jan 26, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this I pray that god will lift our hearts he will be missed . I pray for you all
Helena - Jan 26, 2021
Such a nice person always offered a peice of candy