John H. Gray

John Gray Frankfort"John Herd Gray of Frankfort, Kentucky passed away peacefully on January 29, 2010 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Family members remaining are daughters, Judith Schafman and her husband, Lawrence Schafman, Susan Hanly and Kathryn Grad. The grandchildren are Hilary Bratcher, Susan�s daughter and her husband Bruce Bratcher, Nikole Grad and Jacklyn Grad, Kathryn�s daughters. Included in the extended family and loving son in laws, are Hillary�s father Ted Beebe and Nikole and Jacklyn�s father, Mark Grad. Also honored is the loving memory of Jacob Hanly, Susan�s husband, predeceased. By John�s side when he passed away was his loving and devoted companion of eleven years, Mayme Kelley. John lived a happy and full life of 89 years. He was born in McDonald, Pennsylvania, son of devoted Christians, David and Isabelle Gray and the youngest of four children, Don, Miriam and Margaret, all predeceased. The Gray family moved to Penacook, New Hampshire where David, John�s father, worked in a flour mill for many years. John there met his beloved wife-to-be, Virginia "Chip� Nye in high school and they were married on July 4, 1941. John attended the University of New Hampshire. In 1943, now married and with his first child, John left home and served his country with distinction in WWII in the Italian front as a sergeant in the Infantry. Upon returning, John and "Chip� participated competitively in indoor badminton and at one point were New Hampshire State Badminton Mixed Double Champions. In 1964, the family moved to Frankfort, Kentucky where John worked for the federal government for over 30 years in the Department of Agriculture. He also worked 15 plus years in the Human Resources Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He loved his sports, particularly golf and basketball, a University of Kentucky "Wildcat� fan all the way! He was a snappy dresser and had an incredible collection of hats and ties! Walking around the streets and golf courses of Concord, NH and then Frankfort, he couldn�t help but meet people who knew and liked him. John was a great friend to all he met and a mentor to many young people. This was especially true of the employees of the Kroger Store where he loved to shop! He never met an animal he didn�t feed or a person he didn�t smile at. At 89 years old, he was still dashing, dancing at his granddaughter Hilary and her new husband Bruce�s wedding in April 2009 " he loved to dance! We will remember him with great love and gratitude that he touched all of our lives in so many wonderful ways! Services will be conducted from the South Frankfort Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010. Rev. Alan Sorem will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Frankfort Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Ted Beebe, Jack Smith, Bruce Bratcher, Patrick Cammack, Manuel Kelly and Paul Cobb. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimers Association, 465 East High Street, Lexington, KY 40501 Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home LLC and condolences may be shared via the online guest book at www.harrodbrothersfuneralhome.com.

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John H. Gray

June 12, 1920 - January 29, 2010