Raymond L. Gray passed away at home on Sunday, May 14, 2017. He was born in Gary, Indiana on September 29, 1920 to Loris and Catherine ( Ansbro) Gray of Miller. Bud's great grandfather, John Ansbro, had come from Ireland to America and had purchased
land in Miller from a man named Ewing who bought it from the local Native Americans. He donated some land to build St. Mary's Catholic Church in Miller and Ansbro Subdivision still is listed in the records. Miller was always dear to Bud's heart and was the subject of many of his poems. He was a member of the first graduating class of Wirt High School and married his Valedictorian classmate, Fannie Mae Christoff on September 6, 1940. They were married for 60 years until her passing in 2001. They had three sons who brought them much pride and happiness...Raymond, David and Christopher. Bud always wanted to learn new things and take on new challenges to provide for his family and to fulfill his talents. He worked for Stack Brothers Appliances and delivered huge items up narrow apartment stairs and installed TV antennas on dangerous roofs for the lofty sum of $ 7.50. That left him with $ 5.00 after he paid his helper. His "guardian angel" worked overtime during those early years!! Bud always sought more knowledge and more responsibilty as he climbed the career ladder.
He respected those knowledgeable older and immigrant workers who had mastered the skills needed.He held a whole series of increasingly skilled jobs at US Steel and during World War II was not allowed to enlist because he was in charge of training women for industrial war work and his classes and his abilities were vital. He was being groomed by those who saw his potential. He later worked at Blaw Knox in East Chicago, Indiana, where he again had good mentors and was a kind and respectful boss who got along well with his production people. He retired from Blaw Knox in 1984 after having moved step by step from entry level to the "Ivory Tower". He gained the respect of his men and his corporate bosses in Pittsburgh and East Chicago. Bud was a scout master and his house in Miller was usually filled with young scouts and the friends of his sons. He was a charter member of Marquette Methodist Church and the Optimists Club. When he and Fannie moved to Portage they became active members of Portage First United Methodist Church on McCool Road where he served on various committees and was well known for providing poems for special occasions to church friends. Anyone who knew Bud remembers times when a topic came up in a study group or discussion and he said "I wrote a poem about that". It became such a signature remark that friend, Paul Keaton, made him a sign to hold up. Everyone got many laughs from that. He was the author of three poetry books and many, many individual poems that he had written for weddings, funerals and other important life occasions. The names are Bouquet of Love .. poems written to his dear Fannie Mae...Declarations of the Heart on a whole variety of topics..especially faith and love and nature and Sands of Time which he self published.There were a limited number published and they are no longer available so if you have one, be sure to share with loved ones and remember him when you read his thoughts.His words and way of living touched so many people of all ages ...even strangers that God placed in his path. So many people told him "That's exactly what I needed to hear today. How did you know?" when he shared a poem with them. He made friends wherever he went...the grocery check out lady, the bank teller, the pharmacist, the income tax preparer, the lawn man, the nurses and aides at St. Mary's hospital....everyone at the doctor's office...all were attracted to his pleasant charm, faith, humor, positive attitude and kind attention. Bud was like a people magnet.Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 60 years, Fannie Mae, his sister, Leona, his brother, Donnie and his beloved grandson...Raymond Gray...lovingly called "Bud Lite" or "Little Buddy" although he was a grown man. Surviving this wonderful man are his three sons...Raymond (Phyllis) Gray of Naperville,Illinois. David Gray of Valparaiso, Indiana. and Christopher (Toni) Gray of Honolulu, Hawaii. Also keeping his memory alive are sisters Catherine Moore of LaPorte, Indiana and Isabelle Doneff of Roswell, Georgia and grandsons Sean (Tara) Gray of NYC, David Thomas Gray of Valparaiso, Indiana and Douglas Gray of Hawaii... great grand daughters, Lola Gray of Valparaiso and Naveah Gray of Hawaii.He is a survived by niece, nephews, cousins and many dear church family members. He was also survived by Linda (Holley) Mills of Portage, Indiana...his partner of 15 years. He was truly a unique man and everyone who knew Bud, loved him and was blessed by him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Portage First United Methodist Church or VNA Hospice. A funeral service for Raymond will be held directly at First United Methodist Church, 2937 McCool Road , Portage Indiana at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 18,2017 with Pastor Mark Dicken officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be held at Portage First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. For more information, please call 219-762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.