John William Gray Jr.

John was born August 22, 1938 in East St. Louis, IL to John William Gray Sr. and Ellen Louise (Carnagey) Gray. They preceded him in death.

He married Linda Farmer on August 22, 1959 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in East St. Louis, IL. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. She survives him and resides in Freeburg, IL.

Also surviving are their four daughters, Vicki (Greg) Eschman of Swansea, IL, Deborah (Neil Sr.) Hamilton of St. Clair, MO, Sharon “Shari” (Andrew “Andy” Sr.) Wall of Freeburg, IL and Patricia (Craig Young) Hilkey of Belleville, IL; eleven grandchildren, Bret (Ruth) Eschman, Bethany (Grant Pedley) Eschman, Neil Hamilton Jr., Daniel Hamilton, Kaitlyn (Alex) Hauther, Kendra (Colby) Ross, Kari (David) Zipfel, Andrew (Shannon) Wall Jr., Jacob Hilkey, Jessica Hilkey and Holly Hilkey; fourteen great-grandchildren; in-laws, Ronald and Sandra Payne and Geralyn Farmer; cousin, Donna (David) Gay; many nieces, nephews, and loving friends; and his furry friend, Nellie.

He grew up in East St. Louis, IL, attended Hawthorne Elementary School then Lansdowne Middle School. He was a graduate of Eastside High School in East. St. Louis, IL. He continued his education and graduated with the first class of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, on June 14, 1963. He earned his Masters of Social Work Degree at St. Louis University, which opened many doors for his future and his career. For 37 years, John devoted his life to others with his work with the State of Illinois, both in the Department of Public Aid and the Department of Mental Health. Even after his retirement, he continued his love of counseling and guiding others by lending words of comfort and direction whenever he was called upon. He was a true mentor to many throughout his life.

John enjoyed the simple joys of life, like bird watching and spending time with his family. He truly was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa to his beloved family. His sense of humor and love for others will be cherished in their hearts forever.

Memorial donations may be made to Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL, where John and Linda were longtime members.

VISITATION: A visitation for John Gray will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 10:00 A.M.- 11:45 A.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.

SERVICE: A brief service will be held following the visitation, at 11:45 A.M. at the funeral home. Reverend Harvey Gaither will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded under the direction of Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.