Earl Gray

Earl was born in Collingdale, Pa. in 1933, the youngest and only son of humble and religious parents. He had two older sisters, Doris Boyer, who passed many years ago, and Elinore Lott who lives in Hawaii. Earl was a Mason, a volunteer fire fighter and began his life-long career at General Electric as a Tool &Die apprentice, working his way through college courses and the Management training program before accepting his first management position in Puerto Rico. The family moved there in 1966 and during their 7-year stay he opened four circuit breaker manufacturing plants, earning much success and many awards. The family returned to Pennsylvania in 1973, where the kids continued their education and Earl continued in management positions, eventually moving to Ohio and finally Georgia. He retired in 1997 and continued to consult with GE for several years.

Earl was a family man and avid gardener, and looked forward to college football season each year, rooting for Penn State and his adopted Georgia Bulldogs. He was also very involved in his homeowners associations over the last 20 years, serving on garden and construction committees.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, two sons-in-law (Duke Beemer and Douglas Miles) and the love of his life, his wife of 57 years Joanne. He is survived by his children: Linda & Stephen Harris of Loganville, GA, Karen Miles of Freeport, FL, Jeff Gray of Atlanta and Janice Beemer of Kennesaw, GA; his grandchildren: Brad & Angela Harris of Atlanta, Kendalle Harris of Cobb, CA, Alex Mogford of Kelseyville, CA, Michaela Johnston of Kennesaw, GA, Emily Gray of Chapel Hill, NC, Talon Beemer of Kennesaw, GA and Kayla Beemer of Homosassa, FL; and a great-granddaughter, Azalea Mogford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimers Research Foundation (800-521-0368), www.alzheimersresearchfoundation.com.

The family will receive friends and family at a memorial service to be held on Friday Jan. 9 at 11 am at Eternal Hills Funeral Home in Snellville. A small reception will follow the service at Earl’s home in Snellville.