Gary Burton Gray, 82, son of the late George E. Gray and Muriel (Westgate) Gray, died peacefully on September 18, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, after a period of declining health.
Gary was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts on March 31, 1938, and grew up in Fairhaven, MA, graduating from Fairhaven High School in 1956. He later resided in Rochester to raise his family and most recently resided in New Bedford. Gary served over 22 years in the U.S. Army and Massachusetts Army National Guard. He worked for over 30 years as a compositor at the New Bedford Standard-Times, from which he retired in 1989. He also owned and operated his own bookkeeping and accounting business, GBG Business Services, for over 40 years.
Gary was an avid golfer, accomplishing several holes-in-one over his lifetime. He also enjoyed playing the trombone, singing in church choirs, and gardening.
Gary is survived by his four children, Jeffrey Gray and wife Joanne of Tiverton, RI, Laura McGrath of New Bedford, Lynda Parker and husband Thomas of Rochester and Gary E. Gray of Bangkok, Thailand; as well as grandchildren, Evan Gray, Lucas Parker and Jacquelyn and Noah Watkinson; along with several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, David Gray of Wisconsin and Millicent (Gray) Davis of Pennsylvania, as well his former spouse Carolyn Gray.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the caring staff of Bedford Gardens, Sacred Heart Nursing Home and St. Luke’s Hospital for their compassionate care and attention during Gary’s final days. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven.
