Jack Gray Obituary, Death – Jack Wendel Gray, 70, unexpectedly went away while engaging in his favorite activity. On November 16, 2022, he took his last “big buck” (also known as Big Moe), and then he passed away. Sharon Gray (Kelly), Jamie Gray (Travis Lovegrove), Carrie Gray (Scott Walraven), Erin Gray (Selden Zimmerman), and Shawn Gray are the survivors of Jack (Allie). Clay, Broderick, Ainsley, Peyton, Addison, Jack, Mairenn, Elliott, Emmett, Bree, Callahan, and Teagan are their grandchildren. Nancy (Ron) Stevens, Jim (Michelle) Gray, Pat (Edie) Gray, Barb (Bob) Hammond, Karen (Chuck) Mlcek, and Tom (Cindy) Gray are all siblings. His parents, Wendel Gray and Imogene Gray, died before him (Nugent).
Jack was born and raised in Benzie County, graduated from Benzie Central in 1970, and shortly thereafter departed for MSU. He was drafted into the military after receiving his degree and was forced to return to his hometown, where he met Sharon, the love of his life. While employed at Crystal Mountain, they became friends. After getting married and taking over the family farm, they soon began raising a family. Jack respected and was proud of his huge, close-knit family. a sense of pride derived from years spent growing up on a farm with a family that values perseverance, honesty, humility, and support for those you care about.
In addition to being excited about taking on any project with an unrivaled unwavering will and persistence, Jack had a talent for seeing how things “might be.” He was “bigger than life” in the eyes of those who knew him, and he valued his friends, family, and community. Jack enjoyed seeing his grandchildren mature, and the youngsters loved having their grandfather around. They went on many adventures, including quad rides around the farm, apple and cherry harvesting, and camping trips to the Upper Peninsula. Too many to count, he is survived by wonderful friends and family. He liked to fish, hunt, make his own candy, have backyard barbecues, play shuffleboard on Thursday nights, and drink beer with friends. Jack had a pure heart, and his grin could light up any space. We will miss him.
Pastor Rick Stieve will preside over a celebration of life service for Jack on Tuesday, November 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Jowett Family Funeral Home. One hour before the service, friends will be welcomed by the family. National Kidney Foundation and Benzie Central FFA in lieu of flowers. Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia, handled the arrangements. A gathering will take place at the Benzie County Eagles, 71 Lake St., Frankfort, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
