Norman Lee Gray

Norman L. Gray, Sr. of Show Low, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and beloved cat on January 5, 2015 at the age of 80. Norman was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on November 10, 1934 to the late Harold "Pinky" Gray and Thelma (Pittsley) Gray. He attended South Barre (Vt) School and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, Vermont in 1952. Upon graduating from H.S. he entered the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 20 years as a Medic. Norman retired from the USAF in 1973 completing his military career at Luke Air Force Base. After retiring from the Air Force, Norman worked as a Plasma Center Manager for Bayer Corporation (formerly Cutter Labs and Miles Labs) in Florence, AZ and Stockton, CA and retired from this second career after 23 years. Upon retiring, Norman and his wife Thelma returned to Arizona and settled in Pinedale, AZ where they had a summer home for many years. They then moved to Show Low 14 years ago. Norman is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Thelma, and his four children, Norman, Jr. (Scott) , Stephen (Mary Kay), Catherine, and Robert "Bob" (Lisa); his grandchildren, Michelyn Garduno (Mark), Daniel Messner, and Matthew Messner; his two step-granddaughters Trish Chrim and Tawny Mardo; and two great-grand children, Samantha Bagdis and Alexander Coffer. Norman is also survived by his brother Lawrence (Pat) Gray of Barre, VT, and his sister Shirley (Philip) Clark of Rexford, NY and his Uncle Richard "Dick" Pittsley of Barre, VT and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Norman was a ham radio operator and a regular participant in emergency communication nets and assisting with communications at special events. He enjoyed traveling and camping across the US visiting his extended network of family and friends. He had a number of trips to New Zealand to visit his son, as well as to Australia. His wit and sense of humor endeared him to many over the years. His kind heart and lending a helping hand will be missed by those he encountered. Visitation and rosary will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 1400 E. Owens Street, Show Low, AZ at 12:00 p.m. followed by the celebration of a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Reception will follow. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Wound Warriors Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or on-line at www.woundedwarriorproject.org