Donald Cooper Gray

Donald Gray, 85, passed peacefully on April 21, 2024. Born May 28, 1938 in Paterson, New Jersey, to the late Harry C. and Rena Mary (LeBlanc) Gray. Don is survived by his wife of sixty-one years Carolyn D. (Nadeau) Gray, three children and three grandchildren. Daughters Sandra D. Gray of Claremont, CA., and Kathryn M. Gray (Aaron Burnham) of Hillsboro, NH. and son, Russell R. Gray of Manchester, CT. Grandsons, Nathan A. Burnham of Hillsboro, NH, Cooper L. Burnham of St. Paul, MN, and granddaughter, Carolyn D. Burnham of Hillsboro, NH. The oldest of four brothers, Don is also survived by brothers Philip B. Gray of Taylor, Michigan and Richard R. Gray of Tolland, CT. He was predeceased by his brother, H. Warren Gray. In high school and college he was a competitive swimmer winning many awards in free style competition. After college, Don joined the US Air Force where he proudly served his country from 1962 to 1966. After his faithful service to his country, Don joined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in the Engineering Department.as an NC Programmer, where he worked for over thirty years. After retiring he worked as a School Crossing Guard for the Town of Manchester for ten years. Don was an avid photographer and enjoyed making memory books for family and friends. He also used his talent for photography in several church related projects. A lover of music he played the piano and trumpet. He enjoyed camping, sailing, traveling and was also a long-time golfer. Don was a member of South United Methodist Church for fifty-seven years. He served the local church on the Education Committee and Social Action Commission and for many years chairing the Trustees. He also was an usher, a lay reader, a member of the hand-bell Choir and rang the Carillion. He also served as a member from South UMC to the New England Annual Conference. He served the wider church as a member and secretary of the New England Conference Africa Task Force. He participated in three volunteer mission teams to Africa: Namibia in 1991, South Africa in 1995 and Angola in 2000. Upon his return from these trips he was instrumental in educating local congregations about the plight of citizens living in these countries. He participated in community events supporting Manchester Crop Walks in Manchester and Andover and was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer in the Hartford area. His quick wit and fantastic sense of humor will be missed by family and friends. Friends are invited to join the family to remember Don at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home at 400 Main Street in Manchester on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 4 pm to 6 pm, concluding with a memorial service. Interment services will be held at a later date at the convenience of family. Memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Alzheimers Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4b, Southington, CT 06489.







Services

Calling Hours
Thursday
May 9, 2024
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM


Funeral Service
Thursday
May 9, 2024
5:30 PM to 6:00 PM


Burial following services