Mac Gray

Richard McDowell “Mac” Gray, age 61, of Lancaster, OH passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 20, 2020. He was born on July 25, 1959 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Margaret “Polly” and Richard T. “Dick” Gray. The Gray family moved to Lancaster in 1964. Mac graduated from Lancaster High School in 1977.

In 1984, Mac’s life changed forever when a motorcycle accident left him a quadriplegic. After more than a year of hospitalizations and rehab, he humbly and courageously embraced his condition. The majority of his adult life was spent striving for the benefit of others as he became an effective advocate for those with physical limitations.

He worked as an independent living specialist for Fairfield Center for Disabilities and Cerebral Palsy in the early 1990s and served on their board of trustees for ten years, including one term as president. In 1995, he became an IT specialist and a data systems analyst for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ Office of Medicaid, where he worked until he retired in 2009. During this time, he also volunteered for Fairfield Industries Sheltered Workshop for Adults and for the United Way.

Mac had a prolific public speaking career for more than 25 years. He was first affiliated with the CBA Speakers Bureau and later launched his business, “M.A.C. Speaking (Motivating Attitudes for Change)”. He used these platforms to motivate and inspire central Ohio middle and high school students, civic groups, and churches with his message of “Decisions and Consequences”. He presented his message as part of safety programs for local law enforcement agencies, area medical centers, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. He was the recipient of two Governor’s Traffic Safety Awards for his work. He was also featured in several corporate training videos and local television news segments addressing disability awareness.

Mac was a devout Christian and a long-time member of Fairfield Christian Church. He was a good and faithful servant who loved his God, his family, and his friends most dearly. He was also an ardent Buckeye fan. His extraordinarily positive attitude toward life in the face of tremendously difficult circumstances was an immense inspiration to all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Mac is survived by his stepchildren, Rachel Frazier (Sean) and

Jenny Hurst; step-grandchildren, Anna Snyder (Alex), Ellie Kemp (Austin), Katie Gress (Matthew),

Sam Hurst, Emma Hurst, Ben Hurst, and Tommy Hurst; step-great-grandson, Andy Kemp; siblings,

Peggy Junker, Davis Gray (Josine), Sally Farnick (Rob), and Nancy Gray; nieces and nephews,

Chris Junker, Nick Junker, Michael Junker, Macy Gray, Nique Gray, and Richard J. Gray; and his sponsored child, Hakim Nabende.

There will be no funeral service at this time; however, a celebration of Mac’s life is being planned for 2021. Private Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster, OH at a later date.

The Gray family wishes to thank Chelsea Healthcare, New Beginnings Plus Healthcare Services, and Fairhope Hospice. Donations in memory of Mac Gray may be made to Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, OH 43130; or Fairfield Center for Disabilities & Cerebral Palsy, 681 East Sixth Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130.