Obituary of Earl Gray

GRAY: Earl. A resident of Ridgetown, Earl Gray passed away at his home on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the age of 77. Born in Chatham, son of the late George Francis and Beulah Mae (Jackson) Gray. Beloved husband of Ruth (Robert) Gray for 57 years. Dear father of Brenda Russelo of Chatham, Patricia Hardie of Alberta, and the late Earl William Gray Jr. (1979). Grandfather of Tammy Chouinard, Nicole Gauthier, Joel Sheldon, Megan Sheldon, Jerrid Hardie, Fallon Hardie and predeceased by Felicia Hardie and Brent Gordon. Great-grandfather of Samantha, Kayden, Chloe, and James. Brother of the late Carl Gray and his wife Fern of Chatham. Step-brother of the late Don and Alice Jackson. Brother-in-law of Eileen Thibault (late husband Joe) of Dover Township, Mildred Sterling (late husband Roland) of Raleigh Township, Melvin and Carol Robert of Dover Township, Noreen and Ed Hunter of Blenheim, and the late June and Orville Cartier, and Bert and Pat Robert. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Earl owned and operated Gray's Welding and Fabricating for over 20 years. He was a welder and licensed crane operator and heavy construction operator, and also taught welding at Ridgetown College of Agriculture and Technology. Earl was also involved with maintenance at Ridge Community Estates for over 20 years where he served as Vice President of the Association. Earl also drove for C.H.A.P.S. for a number of years. He was a 3rd Degree Member of St. Michael's Church Knights of Columbus #8435, Past Grand Knight, and a 4th Degree Member of Father James Assembly. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus Prayer Vigil will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 26 George St., Ridgetown on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Gosnell Cemetery. Donations to the Make A Wish Foundation or Chatham-Kent Women's Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141.