Born July 30, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Henry Gray Meyer and June Stanley Marsh.

Gray died peacefully at his home in Taylorsville, Utah, on July 29, 2020 surrounded by his two children.

Gray married Carolyn Joy Pollard on September 9, 1957. Carolyn died on June 26, 1980.

Gray enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

Following his time with the US Air Force, Gray worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for over 30 years.

Gray was an accomplished private pilot and flight instructor. Thanks to Gray’s talent and experience many individuals achieved their pilot’s license under his tutelage.

After retiring, Gray kept himself busy with many interesting projects, including rebuilding from scratch a classic, 1964 Mack truck. He took the truck (named “Gray’s Ghost”) to many shows where it was usually the star of the event.

He was an extremely talented trumpet player and loved the instrument. For years he was a member of El Kalah Concert Band, playing many venues including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, The Taylorsville Parade (amongst others) and entertained at elder care centers.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Gray joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1990. He was made a Master Mason in 1992. He was a 29 ½ year member of the Fraternity at the time of his death.

He was also a member of The Shrine and the Scottish Rite.

Although sometimes quite subtle, Gray had a highly active (albeit sometimes corny) sense of humor. He could easily talk to anyone – friend and stranger alike – and almost always elicit laughter. He was the kind of person that you felt you knew after having met him the first time. He was especially fond of the folks at Siragusa’s taste of Italy (and they of him) where he was a fixture for many years. On any given day you could find him there having lunch and usually dinner always, of course, accompanied by many cups of black coffee. Only black coffee. As Gray always said, “If you don’t like your coffee black, then you just don’t like coffee.”

In his neighborhood, Gray was known as the unofficial Mayor of Condie Drive. He was also the available bachelor of the neighborhood, with his striking thick, full head of white hair and ruggedly handsome appearance. At the same time, he was incredibly humble and would never acknowledge this in public, and only very rarely in private. He was beloved by his neighbors and was selfless in reaching out to help anyone in need. He was quite simply an inspiration to all who knew him.

Gray is survived by his daughter Vicki Meyer-Meadville, son-in-Law Peter R. Meadville, son Anthony Gray Meyer and sister Alfene Page.

Funeral and internment services will be held at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123. Viewing will be held on August 7, 2020, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, followed by a graveside service beginning at 3:00pm. Seating, cold water and overhead sun protection will be present. There will also be a microphone available; we encourage anyone who would like to rise and speak to do so.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks will be mandatory for all viewing and funeral services.

We ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Gray’s name to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

“Cheerio” Gray.

Services

Services Handled By

Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery
6500 S Redwood Rd
Salt Lake City, UT

Life Story Info

Post Date

Aug 03, 2020

Personal Info

Age

86
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Guestbook

I am so very sorry to hear of Gray's passing. I met Gray through working at the front desk at Sunrise Assisted Living of Sandy. I always enjoyed seeing him. He was always such a gentleman and had a great sense of humor. He was one in a million!

Michelle Roper , Taylorsville, UT, US Sep 01, 2020

Having a neighbor like Gray was a wonderful thing. We enjoyed his many neighborhood get togethers and his friendship. We will miss him and wish his family comfort and peace.

The Summers Family Aug 13, 2020

Gray was a wonderful person and good masonic brother. I enjoyed working with him at FAA for many years.

George Auer , Georgetown, TX, US Aug 04, 2020

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