Daniel E Gray

November 23, 2022

Daniel E Gray, cherished husband, and beloved father lost his battle with cancer at home surrounded by family in Indianapolis, IN on November 23rd at the age of 73. He was born in Elwood, IN on December 2, 1948, to Mary E. Cockrill & Edwin M. Gray.

Aside from his family, another great source of pride for Dan was his service to country in the United States Army. Shortly after graduating from Broad Ripple High School in 1967, Dan enlisted in the Army. Even after his throat cancer diagnosis, presumably caused by Agent Orange, he still regarded the decision to enlist as one of the best he ever made.  He received many awards and honors for his service in Vietnam, including a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and a Commendation Medal.

Following an honorable discharge from the Army, Dan attended business school at Indiana University in Bloomington and graduated with a Finance degree in 1973. He worked as a general manager at General Motors and a variety of plastics manufacturing companies, while building his investment portfolio in residential real estate.

Dan embraced the simple pleasures in life and especially cherished time with his wife at their home near Vero Beach, Florida, visits from his children and grandchildren, as well as the company of many lifelong friends. He loved golf cart rides with his German Shepard, or a convertible cruise with the top down on a beautiful day. He was an avid card player and most enjoyed blackjack or a game of euchre.

Having an effortless sense of humor and charm, Dan was often the life of the party and made friends easily. He possessed an unassuming personality and put people at ease with laughter and an uncanny ability to say whatever was on his mind. He will be fondly remembered and missed by many.

Dan’s family would like to thank the wonderful care teams at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis whose dedication to service members and tireless quest for knowledge helped him handle his diagnosis with grace, strength and laughter all the way to the end.

Visitation and Services

A graveside service with full military honors will be conducted on Saturday, December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, followed by a celebration of life at the White River Yacht Club, 1400 E 74th St., Indianapolis, from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Survived by:

He is survived by his spouse, Jean Ann Gray of Indianapolis, IN, his children Alexandra Bove (Scott) of Carmel IN, R. Christopher Gray (Alyssa) of Indianapolis IN, his siblings Alexa Schofield (Robert) of Franklin, IN, Jan Fuller (Ron) and Charles Gray of Ft Worth, TX and his grandchildren Evan Gray, Lincoln Mayo, Nash Bove, Cooper Bove and Benjamin Gray.

Preceded by:

Dan was predeceased by his mother and father, his brother Robert Gray, and his son, David Gray.

Condolences

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13 Condolences for “Daniel E Gray”

  1. John Rouse November 29, 2022 at 11:40 am

    Deepest sympathies to the family. Dan was one of a kind. He will truly be missed & remembered with deep appreciation.

  2. Jamie Nicole Mattingly November 29, 2022 at 12:11 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Dan had a laugh that was unique and a droll sense of humor. He faced his challenges head on.

  3. Pamela Powell November 29, 2022 at 12:15 pm

    Hugs and prayers to you Jean Ann and to all your family. I will remember Dan sitting on your porch, always. Walter used to say that Dan reminded him of Rodney Dangerfield. After reading Dan’s story, being the life of the party and in and uncanny ability to say whatever was on his mind, fits to a tee. He had a great since of humor. He will be greatly missed. Love to you all.

  4. Rafael Montesdeoca November 29, 2022 at 3:32 pm

    My deepest condolences to Jean ann and the family. Dan was just a straightforward individual and funny as well. Will be missed!!!

  5. Jade Gruner November 29, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    So sorry for Dan’s passing! Thoughts and prayers to the family! There never was a dull moment with Dan. He was quite the unique individual! Rest in peace, my friend!

  6. Jolene Todd November 29, 2022 at 6:44 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family. Jean Ann, sending a heartfelt hug.

  7. Robin Weihermuller November 29, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    What wonderful words describing a man well loved. Dan’s sense of humor will truly be missed. May he rest in peace. Robin and Wayne

  8. Teresa Cosby November 29, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss of Dan. We had a lot of fun times and he will be missed. May he rest in peace now. Hugs and prayers to all of you. Love David & Teresa Cosby

  9. Charlotte Kenagy Roscher November 30, 2022 at 4:51 am

    I am so sorry for you loss. Dan was quite a guy and a very memorable class mate. I am certain his memory will continue to be a treasured presence for all who knew him.

  10. Steve & Jane Manning November 30, 2022 at 9:21 am

    I was so sorry to hear about Dan’s death — classmates at BRHS — Reunion friends — And Army buddies (Dan and I ran into each other at Fort Benning when I was in Jump School and he was at NCO School). My condolences to his family.

  11. Gerry Kosene November 30, 2022 at 10:17 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to Alex and the Gray Family. May your memories of him bring you much comfort!. His wry sense of humor, easy smile and gentle personality will always be my memory of him. His qualities will live on in his children and grandchildren!

  12. Terry and Fannie Howard December 2, 2022 at 3:41 am

    Dan was fearless, kind hearted and a barrel of fun. We will miss him.

  13. Pam Jones Donoho December 4, 2022 at 9:33 am

    So sorry for your loss. I pray God gives you and your family peace.

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