John L. Gray, 74, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 13, 2015, with his family by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Molly Young Gray of Vero Beach; son Michael (Karen) Gray of Vero Beach; daughter Gretchen M. (Robert) Nelson of Durham, N.C.; sisters Vera Morris of Vero Beach and Martha (Elton) Mitchell of Sand Mountain, Ga.; grandchildren Taylor, Kennedy, Cooper, Cameron and Robby; nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Scooter.
He was preceded in death by his sister Becky Strange and brother Joe Gray.
Better known as “Skeeter” to his friends and “Pop Pop” to his grandkids, Gray was born in Trenton, Ga., to the late William Harmon and Opha Irene Gray and moved to Vero Beach in 1956.
He enjoyed working at Piper Aircraft before working as a General Foreman pipefitter at Hutchinson Island Power Plant. He was a proud member of Local Union 630 and a member of First United Methodist Church in Vero Beach.
Gray had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed life to the fullest while never meeting a stranger. He took pleasure in fishing, golfing, skiing and walking his dog in the hills of Linville, N.C., where he would spend his summers with his wife Molly at their second home.
He touched the lives of many by being “Mr. Fix-it” for his neighbors and family. He enjoyed spending weekends on “Charlie’s Island” with family friends; and family vacations in Mount Mitchell while teaching nieces and nephews how to “Snipe Hunt” in the woods. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers/Parkinsons Association, 2300 5th Avenue Suite 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach with a Life Celebration Service beginning at 2 p.m. at the Church. A reception will follow in Wesley Hall at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
