Gilbert Ruben "Gil" Gray Obituary (1940

Gilbert Ruben (Gil) Gray, Jr., 78, of Harrisonburg, went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2019, following a long battle with cancer. He was at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 24, 1940, in Stanley, Virginia, the son of Gilbert R. Gray and Dorothy (Crawford) Bowen. He married Joyce Gray of Rochester, New Hampshire, on February 24, 1962, who survives him. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Michael (Cindy) Gray of Franklin, West Virginia, and Diana (Marty) Breeden of Luray and two beloved granddaughters, Mathea Breeden of Luray and Mallarie Breeden of Harrisonburg. Also surviving are two brothers, David Gray of Timberville and Jackie Gray of Stanley, special half-sister Darlene (Michael) Gray of Harrisonburg, and several other half-brothers and sisters, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Randell (Joann) Gray of Stanley. He joined the U.S. Air Force on December 7, 1961 and was assigned to Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain, where they spent 3 years, and where son Michael was born. Following his military service he returned to Harrisonburg to continue his education at Madison College, where he received his B.S. in political science. He went on to earn a Master's degree in education from James Madison University. His teaching years began at Springfield Elementary School and continued at Shenandoah Elementary School, both in Page County. He was a Master Electrician and owned his own electrical contracting business in the area for a number of years. Gil had a great love of flying and was active in Civil Air Patrol for over 20 years, as squadron commander of Shenandoah Senior Squadron and Group II Squadron; he was a certified mission coordinator and pilot with CAP Search and Rescue. After working as a construction superintendent for over 10 years, he became semi-retired and worked for Rockingham County Public Schools as a substitute teacher and driver. He was a member of Peoples Baptist Church. Burial will be private in Greenmount Cemetery and is being handled by McMullen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to Peoples Baptist Church, 3523 Spotswood Trail, Penn Laird VA 22846, in his memory. Those wishing may share a memory on an online condolence by visiting www.mcullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.