Cecil Gray's Obituary
Cecil Athern Gray, son of Mose and Edna Claxton Gray, was born May 3, 1919 in Macomb, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, September 4, 2009 in Mansfield, Missouri at the age of ninety years, four months, and one day.
On August 5, 1939, he was united in marriage to Bertie Henson, and to this union one daughter and three sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bertie Gray on October 29, 1984, a daughter Georgie Marie Baum and four brothers, Luther Gray, Howard Gray, Roy Gray and Ernie Gray.
Cecil is survived by three sons, Joseph Gray and wife Stephanie of New Bloomfield, Missouri, Luther Gray and wife Pam of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and James Gray and wife Joan of Villa Ridge, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Efen Williams of Mansfield, Missouri and Imogene Henson of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; a sister-in-law Jo Ann Gray of Macomb, Missouri; several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
Cecil was born and raised in the Macomb community and attended Macomb School. He attended Ashley Freewill Baptist Church in his youth, and faithfully served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, he and Bertie made their home in the Saint Louis area where they raised their family, and spent much of their time in the Glenco, Missouri area.
After the death of Bertie, Cecil moved back to the Macomb and Mansfield area. He loved fur trapping, deer hunting, fishing and gardening. The last few years of his life, Cecil lived in Rocky Ridge Manor. His family was very important to him.
Cecil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will cherish the memories he created for his family and friends.
Services for Mr. Cecil Gray will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield, Missouri with burial in Ashley Cemetery. No formal visitation is planned. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Mansfield.
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