William Emmitt Gray, 79, of Hartfield passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023.
Bill was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in Long Beach, Calif.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Kleinow Gray; his son, Russell Gray (Teri) of Casa Grande, Ariz.; his daughter, Jacqueline Gray Ruse (Keith) of Deltaville; and eight grandchildren, Cody, Heidi, Carter and Cooper Ruse (Taylor), Megan, Madison, and Morgan Gray, Emily Norris Fletcher (Jordan); niece and nephew, Alyssa Chowning (Rodney), Blake Hall and extended family, David Harber (Kay).
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Gray and Margaret Jessen Gray and his sister, Sandra Gray Hall.
Bill attended Long Beach College in Long Beach, Calif. before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge from the military, he and his family settled in upstate New York where he was employed by Tektronix and Genrad, selling electronic test equipment. When Bill became tired of shoveling snow the family moved to North Carolina. There Bill started a successful business as a consultant writing software for various businesses, hospitals, and banks, including First Union, Wachovia and Wells Fargo.
Bill was not all work and no play. He was very proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus at Church of the Visitation. He had his private pilot’s license and was an avid sailor. He was active in his sailing club in North Carolina and was racing or crewing any time he got the chance. Bare boat sailing in the Virgin Islands was his favorite! Even though friends called him “Helm Hog Bill.” Bill was also a runner, until he became limited due to health issues.
Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and treasured friend. He enjoyed entertaining at home and on his sailboat and spending time with friends, where he always shared his sense of humor. He will be missed.
The family thanked the administration and staff at Walter Reed Convalescent Home in Gloucester for its care and support during this difficult time.
A funeral Mass is planned for 11:30 a. m. Saturday, June 3 at Church of the Visitation in Topping. Burial and reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
