Theodore (Ted) M. Gray Jr.

Theodore (Ted) M. Gray, Jr., age 96, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024. He was born on September 3, 1927 in Springfield, Ohio to the late Theodore Sr. and Dorothy (Whittington) Gray and grew up in Piqua, Ohio.

As dean of the Ohio General Assembly, Senator Ted Gray set an unprecedented record of service marking 43 years in the Ohio Senate – becoming the longest serving senator in Ohio, as well as the youngest elected state senator at age 23. In 1965, Ted was elected President Pro Tempore, serving 10 years in that role. He was also elected Majority Leader of the Ohio Senate at age 37, becoming the youngest leader in Ohio Senate history. During Ted’s long tenure, he served under 8 Ohio Governors.

Ted’s approach to Senate leadership brought an unusual era of cooperation and compromise to the Ohio Senate, which lasted through the decade that he served as Majority Leader. Ted would seek the middle ground of each issue and negotiate skillfully to get a compromise when needed. He was a true leader and master at getting others to work together. Ted was well liked and respected by both parties.

One of Ted’s greatest strengths was that he was not viewed as being politically ambitious or using his post to run for a higher office. Towards the end of his long tenure, Ted was chosen to serve as chair of the Finance Committee. He carefully crafted three state budgets and left a legacy of fiscal conservatism. As a member of the Controlling Board, if came to be known that if Gray “laughed” things would not go your way.

Ted received accolades and awards from numerous organizations throughout his legislative career.

Ted was an avid golfer and scored his first, and only, hole-in-one at age 82.

Ted will be greatly missed by his sister Rebecca (Don) Mitchell, his children; Scarlett (Jim), Thackery (Yelena), Timothy (Pim), Theodore (Karin) and Laurie; 6 grandchildren,

13 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Teeple.

The Senator’s casket will be laying in honor from 10am – 4pm on Wednesday, 3/13 at the Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215. On Thursday, 3/14 viewing will be held from 10-11am, with a short service at 11:00 am and a reception to follow at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, on 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221, with a reception to follow.