AKRON – Garland W. “Bud” Gray, 83, of 407 E. Orchard St., Akron, died at 11:05 a.m. Sept. 7, 2011, unexpectedly during a procedure at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, Ind.
He was born Dec. 4, 1927, in Akron, to Richard M. and Gertrude Sunday Gray. On June 6, 1948, in Akron, he married Shirley Hibschman, who survives.
In earlier years he drove a milk route for John Zimmerman, hauling milk to Dean Foods Plant, Rochester. He had also been a part of many construction projects while working for John Pugh. He retired in May 1996 from Pike Lumber Co., Akron, after working there for 16 years. For many years he helped as a funeral home assistant, most recently working at Hartzler Funeral Home. He attended Akron United Methodist Church. He graduated from Akron High School in 1947. He was a World War II U.S. veteran. For many years he and Shirley were a part of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club that met in Rochester. He was a former member of the Henry Township Fire Department, devoting many hours to helping people in need, a trait that has carried over to his son John. He was an avid fisherman and mushroom hunter, always taking any opportunity he could to get out on the water or go to the woods. He was known for many things, two of the most popular were his outstanding woodworking skills and during the Christmas season his famous chocolate turtles. He loved a good cup of coffee and would make his daily rounds to the Mini Mart and the Kountry Kitchen to get a fresh cup. During fair and sports season he would have a busy schedule traveling to the various areas to support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the various activities they were involved in. On weekend evenings, he and Shirley could often be found at some of their friends houses playing bid euchre. He and Shirley also had pizza with “The Dance Club” for many years.
Also surviving are a son, John (and spouse Debbie) Gray, Akron; three grandchildren: Lori (and spouse Troy) Busenburg, Mentone; Mindy (and spouse K.P.) Bernicky, Claypool; Jeff (and spouse Aimee) Gray, Rochester; seven great-grandchildren: Ashley, Taylor, Garrett, Kasey, Braxton, Austin and Markus; a great-great-grandson, Michael; and two sisters, Mary Ellen Wise, Warsaw, and Lois (and spouse Allen) Woolley. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Gray; two sisters, Cora Katherine Benner and Vivian Spence; five brothers: Richard O., Clifford, John W., Robert and William Edward.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with the Rev. Mimi Tucker officiating. Burial will be in Akron Cemetery Akron, with graveside military rites by member of the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post 36 and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1343, both of Rochester.
Calling is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a fireman’s memorial service at 6 p.m.
***** Memorials may be made to Akron United Methodist Church or the Akron Fire Department.
Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
