Ronald "Ron" Dean Gray

Born June 12, 1940 in Pekin to Theodore H. and Geraldine (Kenney) Gray, he married Barbara “Bobbie” Jean Weakley, on June 4, 1977 in South Pekin.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years; five daughters, Julie (Greg) Epps of Canton, Sherrill (Andy) Kolvek of Morton, Beth (Gary) Geier of Washington, Janet Wright and Jennifer (David) Harris, both of Pekin; 17 grandchildren, Ashly Rex, Brittney (Justin) Sier, Jeffrey Wright, Jessica Cave, Maddie (Michael) Long, Jake Wright, Shaylyn (Seth) Gray, Kaitlyn (Hank) Bolon, Claire Geier, Isabelle Kolvek, Samantha Harris, Christen Gray, Chelton Wagner, Vanessa Harris, Lucas Harris, Tyler Epps and Morgan Epps; 15 great-grandchildren and one brother, Joseph (Sandy) Gray of Pekin and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Emily Anne Geier; one grandson, Andrew Francis Geier and two brothers, Theodore “Teddy” Gray and Danny Gray.

Ron was a firefighter with the Pekin Fire Department and proudly served the City of Pekin for 23 years before retiring in 1990.

An avid wood craftsman, Ron enjoyed wood carving and repairing furniture for Steger’s Furniture, Leath’s Furniture and Dawson’s. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with family.

He was a kind and gentle man who gave generously of himself to his family and friends. He led his family with great strength and unending, unconditional love and he will be greatly missed.

Ron attended Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. Pastor W. Lloyd Brock and Pastor Brian Eatock will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday evening at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Honors will be provided by the Pekin Fire Department Honor Guard. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be given to Pekin First Nazarene Church, 3514 Broadway Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com