Obituaries

March 11, 1921 to August 14, 2010
 
GALESBURG, ILL. - Anthony “Tony” William Gray, 89, of Galesburg, Ill. died Saturday, Aug. 14, in Peoria, Ill.

He was born on his family farm in Pulaski,  on March 11, 1921, the son of William and Mary Magdalene (Yager) Gray. He married Sonia JaVana Gabrielson on Jan. 17, 1959. She survives.

Also surviving are: a sister, Loretta (Gray) Sanders; children: Rodney Carlos (Idalee) Gray, Joel John (Julie) Gray, Sonia Kelly (John) Nelson, Joseph Anthony Gray, Mary Edith (Osha) Davidson, Patrick Gabrielson (Deb) Gray, Michael Edward Gray; Grandchildren: Becky, Celeste, Christopher, David G., David N., Erica, Haley, Jennifer , J.R., Kim, Leann, Liam, Marie, Marley, Melissa, Michelle, Mindy, Natalie, Sara, Sarah, Sienna; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Andrew and Louis, and sisters, Ruth, Mabel and Margaret Ann.

Mr. Gray graduated from Winamac High School in May of 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from Purdue University in 1949. He then returned to work the land as a professional farm manager for 55 years. He began with Doane Agricultural Service before forming his own business, Gray Farm Management.

He was a charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and a trustee since 1969. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1950. The Catholic Diocese of Peoria honored Gray’s lifetime of work for the Lord, presenting him with the Pere Marquette Award for Christian Service in 2003. He joined the Kiwanis Club of Galesburg in 1986 and served as president in 1992. He also served as president of the American Field Service club in Galesburg in 1979. He was active in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and their food pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Us TOO, and the Macular Degeneration support group.

The funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 18) at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio and Deacon Rodney Gray officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 17), at Watson Funeral Home, with the rosary being prayed at 8 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.

Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in remembrance of Anthony W. Gray to benefit Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.