Gray, Ralph Bennett
Ralph Bennett Gray, age 81 of Pulaski, born April 5, 1937 was called to his Heavenly home suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday March 7, 2019 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. His love of bear hunting, striper and trout fishing as well as camping led to him being known and respected all over Virginia, leading to lifetime friends as well as frequent new and immediate friends after moving to Pulaski in 2012.
He spent most of his working life as a Supervisor and project manager for J.M. Turner and Son in Roanoke, Virginia which left him with a love of golf and pride in all the projects he oversaw throughout the Roanoke and New River Valley highlighted by many rebuilds and renovations at Lewis Gale Salem hospital and the Salem Jail.
He was predeceased by his Mother, Elizabeth “Zanie” Dooley Gray, Father, Brud Gray, Brothers, Johnny Gray and Paul “Buddy” Gray (Dot), late wife, Barbara Gray, stepsons, Vincent Bailey and Mark Bailey (Maria), and step grandsons, Joshua and Kevin Bailey.
Ralph left behind his loving wife and best friend Amy Jones-Gray, Mother in law, Dorothy “Nana” Sanchez, step children, April Reed (Denton), Glendon Jones (Jessica), Matthew Jones (Aili), Jr. Bailey (Melissa), and Rhonda Melton (Roger).
Ralph was a devoted and loving “Papa” Ralph to Cheyenne, Braxton, Charlie Mae and Kinsley as well as numerous other loved step grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His stories will continue to be told by his bear hunting “buddies”, Don Melton, Eugene Yopp, Terry Hale and Robbie, Dylan and Megan Templeton. His fishing, camping and life “buddies” Sandy and Doug Eastep, Ricky Thomas, Marvin Edwards, Thomas Tabor, Robbie Gray, Preston Gray, Matt “Monk” Holbrook, the Golden Years Bowling League and many other bowlers at NRV Superbowl. He had recently joined the Dublin Lions Club and immediately felt a very special and appreciated camaraderie and passion for the members.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church with the Rev. Judy Yonce officiating. Interment will follow in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery with military honors.
Please feel free to join friends and family to share a meal after the burial at the Dublin Lions Club.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday at Seagle Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dublin Lions Club.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski. Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.