Obituary of Donald E. Gray

GRAY, Donald E. age 92 of Retirement Estates and formerly of Oak Hill Rd. Horseheads passed away June 22, 2010 at the Highlands Care Center in Laporte, PA. Don was born in Scipio, NY a son of William and Bertha (Chamberlain) Gray and graduate of T.A.E. and Elmira Business Institute. Don was married to Phyllis Sherman in 1943 and she predeceased him in 1998. He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Peter) Swatsburg of St. Augustine, FL, Gene (Stephanie) Gray of Stuart, FL, Diane (Theodore) Christianson of Saratoga Springs, NY, Donald (Bonnie) Gray Jr. of West Warwick, RI, Gary (Patricia) Gray of Wayne and Painted Post, NY, and K. Susan (Dana) Champlain of Corning, NY; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Martha J. Hamblet of Sun City West, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, Robert W. Gray. Don was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and member of Oakwood United Methodist Church since 1946 serving on their finance committee there. Don was the secretary/treasure of the Elmira Drug and Chemical Company. In 1965 he went to work for Goshen Central School where he retired as the assistant to the Superintendent for business affairs in 1980. He also served on the Goshen Town Board. Don was a member of the Elmira Heights Board of Education for 18 years, Past President of NYS School Board Assoc., 12 year member of NYS Public High School Athletic Board, Elmira Kiwanis Club member for over 57 years and also a Past President. He was also a member of Elmira Heights Lodge #913, F. & A.M. for over 62 years. Don’s happiest times were visiting his family and vacationing at Waneta Lake where four generations have made great memories. His family will remember him with love for his support and generosity. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home 413 S. Main St. Horseheads Today, Wed. June 23, 2010 from 5-8:00 pm. His service will take place in the funeral home on Thursday at 10:00 am with interment and military honors to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira. Remembrances and condolences may also be left and viewed at www.barberfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may remember Don with memorials to Hospice at Southern Care 190 Choate Circle, Suite 2, Montoursville, PA, 17754 or the Scholorship Fund of Kiwanis Foundation of Elmira, PO Box 891, Elmira, NY, 14902 NOTICE: Officers and members of Elmira Heights Lodge #913 F. & A.M. will gather at the Barber Funeral Home, tonight, Wed. June 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm. to conduct a memorial service for their departed brother.