R. Michael Gray

R. Michael (Mike) Gray of Toledo, Ohio passed away on June 29, 2025 from a prolonged illness. Born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 3, 1938 to David C. and Inez E. (Bewley) Gray Jr., he was the youngest of 6 children and was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky.

He began his career with General Electric in Louisville and later moved to the Human Resources function where he held numerous roles in management and recruiting. He later left GE to pursue new challenges with Owens Corning, Therma-Tru Doors, and then on to consulting prior to retirement. His success was fueled by his intelligence, outgoing personality, and integrity. Like most successful professionals, Mike was blessed with the full support and dedication of his wife of 30 years Shirley and his family. He was a courageous leader, a trusted confidant and loyal friend.

Not only did Mike play basketball for Cabbage Patch in Lousiville, he also played the Saxophone and along with his fellow KA fraternity brothers kept many on their toes with his antics. He was a Kentucky Colonel, a bowler, an avid fan of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball team, he loved March Madness and looked forward to the annual Kentucky Derby party at his brother’s house every year. Yardwork and antiquing were just some of the things he did to pass the time and he recently had a newfound love for Bingo and collecting his Bingo bucks. He believed no matter your age, you had to have 2 things every year- an Easter basket on Easter and a real Christmas tree.

Surviving is his kitty companion Bubs and his children, Jim Gray, Mark Gray, Lori Gray, Teri Gray (Lindsay), Jodi Manton (Tim) and over 10 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Shirley Rehak Gray; siblings, Marguerite Rhodes, Alois Lewis, Barbara Rolph, James Albert Gray and Mary David Gray Myles.

Dear dad, we know momma was waiting for you with open arms- you better be treating her to a nice dinner with all those Bingo bucks you were saving.

Family and friends will be received at the Newcomer Funeral Home, (West Sylvania Chapel) 3655 King Rd., Toledo on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. The funeral service will begin immediately following the visitation at 11:00 AM. Interment, Toledo Memorial Park.