John Robert "Bob" Gray

John Robert Gray (Bob), age 81, passed away at his home in Cadillac, Michigan on February 25, 2025. He was born on July 22, 1943, in Merritt, Michigan to Bernard and Lucille (Wallington) Gray. Bob is survived by his siblings, Bernard (Nancy) Gray, William Gray and Jackie Bair, Joe (Charline) Gray, Stuart (Carolyn) Gray, Susan (Barry) Lawrence, Becky (Paul) Gluch, Linda Gray and Greg Fyfe, Howard (Janet) Gray. Bob is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife Beverly, his stillborn son, John Robert Gray, grandson Eric Bear, stepson Mick and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Bob is survived by a good family friend, Dave Cosgrove. A stepson, Tom Bear (JoAnn) and children, stepdaughter, Renee (Dave) Everett , granddaughter, Heather Cosgrove and great granddaughter, Karley Cosmenski, Dillion Everett, grandson, stepdaughter, Chris and Pat Schoenmak and Holly Suckey and children. Bob graduated from Merritt High School in 1962 (in the top ten of his class!) After graduation, Bob was hired at General Motors in Flint, Michigan. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on May 16, 1967. During his tour of duty in the U.S. Army he was a Combat Engineer receiving a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Campaign Stars, and two Overseas Service Bars. While serving in combat in Vietnam, Bob was wounded on September 11, 1968, in Loc Ninn S. Vietnam. He is a recipient of the “PURPLE HEART” for his injuries. Bob proudly served his country and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in May of 1969. He then returned to his former employment at General Motors in Flint, Michigan, until 1973, at which time he changed careers. He was employed as a Sawyer in the logging industry. He worked with his brother Bill in Gray Forest Products, Dave Stuck and then Gray Logging with his brother Joe until his retirement. After retirement, you could always find Bob in his element, doing lawn care, gardening and yard work for many people. He had a passion for auctions, garage sales and looking for antiques, giving many treasures away to family and friends. He had a giving heart. Enjoying family functions were special for him. He loved his visits with his friend, Mike, on Thursday nights and his Friday night visits with his brother, Bill. In his younger days he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and good friends. Bob had many pets throughout the years, but his favorite was his rescue dog, Jimmy, a great companion. Bob’s Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 6 at 11:00 A.M. at Peterson Funeral and Cremation, 205 E. Cass St., Cadillac, MI 49601. In honor of Bob being a proud U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, Honor Guard Services, will follow, with a funeral procession to Aetna Township Cemetery, Missaukee County. The family invites you to join them in a luncheon following being served at the American Legion Hall, Jackson, Koster, Gray Post in Lake City, MI. In lieu of flowers, we ask to please consider a donation to the DAV (www.mi-dav) (Disabled American Veterans) and or Michigan Sheriffs Association/Wexford County. (www.misherriff.org) An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

John Robert "Bob" Gray

July 22, 1943 - February 25, 2025