Barbourville, Ky. – Donald Dwight Gray, age 75, died Thursday, December 19, 2019 at his home. Mr. Gray was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 30, 1944 to his loving parents, Clark Gray, Sr. and Marie Gray. Donald grew up in Barbourville and attended the Barbourville City Schools, where he was fondly thought of and highly regarded as a very good student.
Soon after high school, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force. He devoted his life to his work as a specialized mechanic. He was a “lifer” and retired with the highest rank possible to enlisted servicemen, Chief Master Sargent. Donald traveled to numerous countries while in the United States Air Force. Turkey, Russia, Spain, England, Germany, South East Asia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vienna and Ireland are some of the countries Donald had the opportunity to visit and learn about while honorably serving our country. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Donald Gray, agree that he was intelligent and witty, even brilliant some would say.
Donald was also a very skilled golfer, winning many awards and tournaments during his life. His golf talents were not unnoticed in the military setting. He was once chosen to play with President Eisenhower, who was attending a conference in Europe. Donald was chosen because his golf skills were unmatched by the other servicemen, and the President needed a formidable golf partner. Thus, Donald was assigned the “duty”.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, whom he dearly loved and adored, Yolanda Gray. Mr. Gray leaves behind two sons: David Gray and Douglas Gray; one sister: Virginia Hensley (CeCil) of Path Fork, Ky.; two brothers: Clark Gray, Jr. (Penny) of Flat Lick and Ronald Gray (Charlotte) of Baton Rouge, La. Mr. Gray also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his loss including his beloved caretakers, Brenda Johnson, Loretta and Marsha. A memorial service for Mr. Gray will be announced and held at a later date.
The Hopper Family and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home express our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Gray.
