William Gray, Sr.

William "Bill" Harrison Gray, Sr., age 88, of Toledo, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at the Franciscan Care Center, Toledo. Bill was born on July 25, 1917 in Pascagoula, MS to Amos M. Gray and Genevieve Sagifalonni. He attended Louisiana State University and then went to California to work at Ryan Aircraft as an Aeronautical Engineer. He played professional football for the San Diego Bay Bombers then with the Los Angeles Rams while still working as an engineer. Bill met Marjorie J. Rowan and they were married on May 31, 1942. He is the fifth great grandson of Benjamin Harrison, the 3rd signer of the Declaration of Independence and a direct descendent of Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison. Bill is a life member of the IEBW Local 7 Electricians and the Ottawa River Yacht Club. He was made "Ole Man of the River" on Sept. 14, 1997. His favorite things in life were his family, ORYC, golf and his many friends.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Amos and Anthony Getti (T.C.) and his sister Theda.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marjorie; sons: William, Jr. (Carol) and James; grandchildren: Kelly Gray, Jodi Stopher and Joshua Gray; great grandchildren: Elizabeth and Anthony Despain, Trevor Stopher and Avery Gray.
The family will receive guests on Friday, December 2, 2005 in the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., (419-473-0300) from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. where Funeral Services will begin at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations being made to Make-a-Wish of Northwest Ohio or the MS Society. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at the Franciscan Care Center; with special thanks to Sister Jordan and Susan Senci.