Earl “Gene” Gray, 82, Tipton
Obituaries · April 10, 2014
Earl “Gene” Gray, 82, of Tipton, passed away April 2, 2014, following a short illness, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospice Unit in Iowa City.
Visitation was Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, Iowa.
As per Gene’s wishes, there are no funeral services scheduled and his family will bury his ashes at a later date. Memorials honoring Gene may be directed towards Mercy Hospice Respite Unit, Iowa City Hospice or the Gene Gray family. Online condolences and photos may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.
Gene Gray was born Jan. 14, 1932, to Erma LaFever and Lloyd Gray in Washington, Iowa. On Oct. 28, 1951, Gene married Joyce Eileen Moore in West Branch, Iowa. Together they had four daughters: Theresa, Sharon, Patti and Lisa. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for Davis Implement, Skelly Oil Station and then Cedar County Co-op, driving the Tank Wagon. Gene was a member of the VFW, 7th Calvary Army, Cedar County Fair Board, Jaycee’s, Loyal Order of the Moose, Optimist, Tipton Senior Center and Camping Club.
Gene most enjoyed Stock Car Racing in the 1960’s, building stock cars and being a mechanic. He was a huge country music fan, but Willy Nelson was his absolute favorite. He was a skilled wood worker, making quilt racks, toy chests and other items for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene always looked forward to holiday get-togethers with his family. The last few years of his life were filled with joy from his special friend, Loyce, and Echo, his dog, who was a faithful, loyal and adored companion.
Gene is loved and survived by his four daughters: Theresa Christofferson of Albia, Iowa, Sharon (Larry) Hodgden of Tipton, Iowa, Patti (Mike) See of Albia, Iowa and Lisa (John) Billick of Tipton, Iowa; sister, Marilyn Sherman of Pine City, Minn.; grandchildren, Angela (Lance) Wilson, Andrea Long, Andy Mullen, Jennifer (Donald Pirrie) Hodgden, Jessica (Mike) Gaertner, Jeremy (Niya) Hodgden, Dane (Cressa) See, Jason See, Matthew (Kate) See, Laura (Matt) Harris and Lindsay (Steve) Jordan; 23-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and special friend, Loyce Lampe and their shared dog, Echo.
Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce in 2008; parents, Lloyd and Erma; sister, Elda and brother, Doyle.
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