Obituary for Richard Lee Gray
Richard Lee Gray, 63, of Independence, MO, passed away on February 13, 2021 at his residence.
Richard was born on March 14, 1957, in St. Louis, MO to James Gray and Lura Alexander Gray. He attended Mt. Zion Bible School and was a mechanic for many years. He worked as a truck driver for Dart Trucking and was also self-employed.
Richard married Sheila “Darlene” Ford in 1994 – together, they enjoyed 27 wonderful years filled with trips to Branson and Florida, celebrating holidays with family, strengthening their Christian faith, and even just weeknight dinners at home. Richard was an excellent singer, and the Christian gospel genre was his favorite.
He loved spending time in the great outdoors, especially fishing.
On the basketball court, Richard was known as “Stretch” because of his 6’5’’ build, and his height may have been intimidating to some. However, he was very outgoing and loved talking with people. He could make anyone laugh, and strangers would quickly become friends. He was rarely seen without his little dog and best friend Nikki.
Richard is survived by his wife Darlene; his four children and their spouses: Richard Jr., Clarissa, Karen, and Brandon; several grandchildren; siblings: James Gray Jr. (wife Pat), Carolyn Wade, Deloris Vukich (husband John), Beverly Quandt (husband Eddie), Lillie Graham; nieces & nephews: Sheila Jones (husband Scott), Chris Satterfield (wife Jennifer), Randy Spiers (wife Melissa), Kamey Brown, Brad Burks (wife Angeline), Jennifer Dohn (husband Adam), James Vukich, Lance Wade (wife Stephanie), Lauren Huntsman (husband Freddy), and Lindsey Graham; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lura Gray.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021, from 2-3pm, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. Due to county restrictions, a private service will be held at the chapel. He will be laid to rest in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence, MO.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)
Richard was born on March 14, 1957, in St. Louis, MO to James Gray and Lura Alexander Gray. He attended Mt. Zion Bible School and was a mechanic for many years. He worked as a truck driver for Dart Trucking and was also self-employed.
Richard married Sheila “Darlene” Ford in 1994 – together, they enjoyed 27 wonderful years filled with trips to Branson and Florida, celebrating holidays with family, strengthening their Christian faith, and even just weeknight dinners at home. Richard was an excellent singer, and the Christian gospel genre was his favorite.
He loved spending time in the great outdoors, especially fishing.
On the basketball court, Richard was known as “Stretch” because of his 6’5’’ build, and his height may have been intimidating to some. However, he was very outgoing and loved talking with people. He could make anyone laugh, and strangers would quickly become friends. He was rarely seen without his little dog and best friend Nikki.
Richard is survived by his wife Darlene; his four children and their spouses: Richard Jr., Clarissa, Karen, and Brandon; several grandchildren; siblings: James Gray Jr. (wife Pat), Carolyn Wade, Deloris Vukich (husband John), Beverly Quandt (husband Eddie), Lillie Graham; nieces & nephews: Sheila Jones (husband Scott), Chris Satterfield (wife Jennifer), Randy Spiers (wife Melissa), Kamey Brown, Brad Burks (wife Angeline), Jennifer Dohn (husband Adam), James Vukich, Lance Wade (wife Stephanie), Lauren Huntsman (husband Freddy), and Lindsey Graham; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lura Gray.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021, from 2-3pm, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. Due to county restrictions, a private service will be held at the chapel. He will be laid to rest in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence, MO.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)