Mr. Ronald D. Gray

Ronald D. Gray passed away on November 14, 2013 in Fresno, California at the age of 75. He was born on January 16,1938, in Los Angeles, California, to Clifford and Margaret Gray. His early life was spent in Bakersfield, California, where he grew up with his sister, Marilyn. He married Arlene Hogan in 1955, and they had a lovely daughter, Kelly, who was born to them on May 16, 1958, in Bakersfield. Two years later, they moved to Pismo Beach.Armed with his fierce work ethic, he spent his life building a successful business in construction and real estate development. In San Luis Obispo county, he was responsible for the initial stages of French Hospital, the first extension of Questa College, countless schools and banks, and partnered in building The Graduate. Ronnie's first student housing project was Murray Street Station.In December of 1978, he married his second wife, Corky, and inherited three more children: Michael, Gary, and Patti. Continuing on his entrepreneurial path, he started Topanga Enterprises and shifted his focus to primarily student housing. He built Bulldog Village, here in Fresno, and also built projects in Colorado, Oregon, and Texas. Although business was his passion, he also loved spending time with his family, which included numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent many of his happiest moments skiing and boating in Lake Tahoe. With a mischievous sparkle in his eye, he captained his boat, as well as his life. The word "no" did not exist in the vocabulary of this strong, amazing man. Ronnie's sense of humor and timing earned him a place in the hearts of many. He is survived by his children, Kelly Gray, Michael Gragnani and his wife, Lisa, Gary Gragnani and his wife, Bonnie, and Patti Graham and her husband, Dale. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Vance, and countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Poverello House, P.O. Box 12225, Fresno, Ca 93777-2225; or Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Suite A-5, Fresno, Ca, 93711.