William Ray Gray, 81, of East Alton and formerly of McLeansboro, died at 6:11 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 1998.
He was born on July 16, 1916, in Dale, a son of Nelson and Mayme (Johnson) Gray. He attended high school in McLeansboro. He married the former Ruth Ann Nelson on Jan. 20, 1964, and she survives.
After moving from Dale, he joined Labor Local 338 in Wood River. Recently he received his 50 year service award and certificate of commendation from the International Laborers Union of North America. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
The funeral was at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 1998, at the Vaughn Hill Church of Christ. The Rev. Coy Siddall officiated. Burial was in Woodland Hill Cemetery. The Marks Mortuary in Wood River was in charge of the arrangements.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Gene Gvillo and Connie and Otis Robins, all of Fosterburg, Illinois, and Cindy and Ben Douglas of East Alton; 11 grandchildren, Bob Ray, Rodney, and Gregory Gvillo, Pam Hampton, Barry Ash, Sherri-Ash-Henson, Terri Ash, Krystal Phillips, B.J. Douglas, Corey Douglas; 17 great-grandchildren; a soster, Elba Harrawood of Dale; a brother and sister-in-law, Franklin and Kate Gray of Eldorado; and a very special friend, Ivan Tite of Brighton.