George Houston Gray passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah during the Great Depression on September 28, 1933 to Donald Gray and Janet Clark Preston (Hunter) Gray.
George and his family spent most of his growing years in Hawthorne, California. One of his very first jobs was delivering newspapers on his motor scooter for the Los Angeles Times. George's parents instilled in him the value of hard work, responsibility, discipline, loyalty, and dedication. During his lifetime, George was able to achieve each of these noble traits with great honor.
Education was extremely important to George throughout his life. He graduated in 1951 from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California. George attended Brigham Young University and El Camino Community College for his undergraduate education and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1957.
Directly after graduation, George and his new little family moved to Hemet, California to open a dental practice. He served the dental needs of countless valley residents for over 57 years before retiring.
George was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of his Savior and readily shared it with all he knew. He served faithfully and diligently in all of his church callings his entire life. Some of the many callings he had included: deacon's quorum advisor, member of the stake high council, seminary teacher, councilor in the stake presidency, bishop (twice), home teacher, and ministering brother. His last calling was that of stake patriarch, with over 500 blessings given. Many of his grandchildren had the remarkable privilege of receiving their patriarchal blessing from him.
He was a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America, starting the scouting program at an early age. He raised and taught all of his boys (and some grandson's too) what it meant to be a good scout. George achieved the highest honor in scouting by successfully earning his Eagle Scout in his youth. He later went on to serve as the Scoutmaster for the Hemet valley. George perfectly emulated the scout oath in his life as it states: "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
George loved his wife, Krystyne, more than anything. He would often be found supporting her in her endeavors within the community or sharing stories of adoration for her to their children.
George had many talents and hobbies. He had a beautiful talent for oil painting. He gave many of his paintings as gifts to his family and friends. You knew you were someone special if you received a George Gray original!
To say that gardening was a passion and talent of his would be an understatement. He loved getting his hands in the soil and growing all things beautiful. His yard was his reward, and gave him many hours of enjoyment. His family affectionately called him "The Lizard" because he would stay outside most days working on his yard even in the Hemet heat.
George was blessed with a talent for music of all kinds, but he was best known for playing the accordion. He started playing the accordion as a small boy. It was a tradition to have him play for family gatherings and especially on Christmas Eve. It was one of the highlights for the holidays!
George was an expert snow-skier. There were many trips to Mammoth Lakes for skiing during the winter months with both family and friends. Other sports he loved to participate in were tennis, playing/umpiring mens slow pitch softball, playing/refereeing basketball, golf, and competing in the Senior Olympics in Hemet. Aside from participating in his favorite sports, George loved cheering on his favorite team, the USC Trojans. USC football was a staple on Saturday's during football season and he was always a loyal fan. Yet, nothing made him more proud than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete and perform in any activity that made them happy. He was the ultimate supportive grandparent.
Playing games with family and friends was probably George's most beloved pastime of all. He loved playing just about any game, but by far his favorite was the card game "Rook." Countless treasured memories were forged in the minds of all that knew him from late-night hands of Rook. Much to the chagrin of all those who played against him, George always dominated the game and rarely lost. Many will fondly remember him for his extreme competitive spirit and will to succeed, no matter what the game or challenge. He always played by a particular set of rules that later infamously became known to many across the country as "George Gray Rules." His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all those that knew and loved him.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Donald & Janet Gray; brothers, John & Donald Gray; sister, Janet (Gray) Kearns; son, George Gray Jr.; first wife, Margie (Hough) Gray; and father-in-law, Neil Gibby.
George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Krystyne (Gibby) Gray; 10 children, Scott & Ann (Tingey) Gray, Brad Gray, Dallas & Teresa (Gavin) Gray, Brad & Kelly (Gray) Fisher, Brian & Holly (Gray) Caskey, Chris Francis, Dana & Anthony Francis-Albano, Jamie & Heidi (Francis) Waller, Josh & Jennifer (Gray) Hill, Ryan & Laura (Gray) Stephens; his sister, Mary (Gray) Westover; mother-in-law, Betty (Bailey) Gibby); brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Robertson) Gray, Jim Gibby, Steve & Pamela Gibby, Lon & Mary Ann (Bickley) Gibby, Alan & Sharon (Eastwood) Gibby, Lance & Dawna (Gibby) Montgomery, Steve & Jan (Gibby) Bailey, and Dan Gibby; 43 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren (and counting), and numerous nieces and nephews.
"Be someone's sunshine when their skies are Gray"
Internment: July 31, 2020
George and his family spent most of his growing years in Hawthorne, California. One of his very first jobs was delivering newspapers on his motor scooter for the Los Angeles Times. George's parents instilled in him the value of hard work, responsibility, discipline, loyalty, and dedication. During his lifetime, George was able to achieve each of these noble traits with great honor.
Education was extremely important to George throughout his life. He graduated in 1951 from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California. George attended Brigham Young University and El Camino Community College for his undergraduate education and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1957.
Directly after graduation, George and his new little family moved to Hemet, California to open a dental practice. He served the dental needs of countless valley residents for over 57 years before retiring.
George was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of his Savior and readily shared it with all he knew. He served faithfully and diligently in all of his church callings his entire life. Some of the many callings he had included: deacon's quorum advisor, member of the stake high council, seminary teacher, councilor in the stake presidency, bishop (twice), home teacher, and ministering brother. His last calling was that of stake patriarch, with over 500 blessings given. Many of his grandchildren had the remarkable privilege of receiving their patriarchal blessing from him.
He was a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America, starting the scouting program at an early age. He raised and taught all of his boys (and some grandson's too) what it meant to be a good scout. George achieved the highest honor in scouting by successfully earning his Eagle Scout in his youth. He later went on to serve as the Scoutmaster for the Hemet valley. George perfectly emulated the scout oath in his life as it states: "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
George loved his wife, Krystyne, more than anything. He would often be found supporting her in her endeavors within the community or sharing stories of adoration for her to their children.
George had many talents and hobbies. He had a beautiful talent for oil painting. He gave many of his paintings as gifts to his family and friends. You knew you were someone special if you received a George Gray original!
To say that gardening was a passion and talent of his would be an understatement. He loved getting his hands in the soil and growing all things beautiful. His yard was his reward, and gave him many hours of enjoyment. His family affectionately called him "The Lizard" because he would stay outside most days working on his yard even in the Hemet heat.
George was blessed with a talent for music of all kinds, but he was best known for playing the accordion. He started playing the accordion as a small boy. It was a tradition to have him play for family gatherings and especially on Christmas Eve. It was one of the highlights for the holidays!
George was an expert snow-skier. There were many trips to Mammoth Lakes for skiing during the winter months with both family and friends. Other sports he loved to participate in were tennis, playing/umpiring mens slow pitch softball, playing/refereeing basketball, golf, and competing in the Senior Olympics in Hemet. Aside from participating in his favorite sports, George loved cheering on his favorite team, the USC Trojans. USC football was a staple on Saturday's during football season and he was always a loyal fan. Yet, nothing made him more proud than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete and perform in any activity that made them happy. He was the ultimate supportive grandparent.
Playing games with family and friends was probably George's most beloved pastime of all. He loved playing just about any game, but by far his favorite was the card game "Rook." Countless treasured memories were forged in the minds of all that knew him from late-night hands of Rook. Much to the chagrin of all those who played against him, George always dominated the game and rarely lost. Many will fondly remember him for his extreme competitive spirit and will to succeed, no matter what the game or challenge. He always played by a particular set of rules that later infamously became known to many across the country as "George Gray Rules." His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all those that knew and loved him.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Donald & Janet Gray; brothers, John & Donald Gray; sister, Janet (Gray) Kearns; son, George Gray Jr.; first wife, Margie (Hough) Gray; and father-in-law, Neil Gibby.
George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Krystyne (Gibby) Gray; 10 children, Scott & Ann (Tingey) Gray, Brad Gray, Dallas & Teresa (Gavin) Gray, Brad & Kelly (Gray) Fisher, Brian & Holly (Gray) Caskey, Chris Francis, Dana & Anthony Francis-Albano, Jamie & Heidi (Francis) Waller, Josh & Jennifer (Gray) Hill, Ryan & Laura (Gray) Stephens; his sister, Mary (Gray) Westover; mother-in-law, Betty (Bailey) Gibby); brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Robertson) Gray, Jim Gibby, Steve & Pamela Gibby, Lon & Mary Ann (Bickley) Gibby, Alan & Sharon (Eastwood) Gibby, Lance & Dawna (Gibby) Montgomery, Steve & Jan (Gibby) Bailey, and Dan Gibby; 43 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren (and counting), and numerous nieces and nephews.
"Be someone's sunshine when their skies are Gray"
Internment: July 31, 2020
George Houston Gray passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah during the Great Depression on September 28, 1933 to Donald Gray and Janet Clark Preston (Hunter) Gray.
George and his family spent most of his growing years in Hawthorne, California. One of his very first jobs was delivering newspapers on his motor scooter for the Los Angeles Times. George's parents instilled in him the value of hard work, responsibility, discipline, loyalty, and dedication. During his lifetime, George was able to achieve each of these noble traits with great honor.
Education was extremely important to George throughout his life. He graduated in 1951 from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California. George attended Brigham Young University and El Camino Community College for his undergraduate education and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1957.
Directly after graduation, George and his new little family moved to Hemet, California to open a dental practice. He served the dental needs of countless valley residents for over 57 years before retiring.
George was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of his Savior and readily shared it with all he knew. He served faithfully and diligently in all of his church callings his entire life. Some of the many callings he had included: deacon's quorum advisor, member of the stake high council, seminary teacher, councilor in the stake presidency, bishop (twice), home teacher, and ministering brother. His last calling was that of stake patriarch, with over 500 blessings given. Many of his grandchildren had the remarkable privilege of receiving their patriarchal blessing from him.
He was a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America, starting the scouting program at an early age. He raised and taught all of his boys (and some grandson's too) what it meant to be a good scout. George achieved the highest honor in scouting by successfully earning his Eagle Scout in his youth. He later went on to serve as the Scoutmaster for the Hemet valley. George perfectly emulated the scout oath in his life as it states: "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
George loved his wife, Krystyne, more than anything. He would often be found supporting her in her endeavors within the community or sharing stories of adoration for her to their children.
George had many talents and hobbies. He had a beautiful talent for oil painting. He gave many of his paintings as gifts to his family and friends. You knew you were someone special if you received a George Gray original!
To say that gardening was a passion and talent of his would be an understatement. He loved getting his hands in the soil and growing all things beautiful. His yard was his reward, and gave him many hours of enjoyment. His family affectionately called him "The Lizard" because he would stay outside most days working on his yard even in the Hemet heat.
George was blessed with a talent for music of all kinds, but he was best known for playing the accordion. He started playing the accordion as a small boy. It was a tradition to have him play for family gatherings and especially on Christmas Eve. It was one of the highlights for the holidays!
George was an expert snow-skier. There were many trips to Mammoth Lakes for skiing during the winter months with both family and friends. Other sports he loved to participate in were tennis, playing/umpiring mens slow pitch softball, playing/refereeing basketball, golf, and competing in the Senior Olympics in Hemet. Aside from participating in his favorite sports, George loved cheering on his favorite team, the USC Trojans. USC football was a staple on Saturday's during football season and he was always a loyal fan. Yet, nothing made him more proud than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete and perform in any activity that made them happy. He was the ultimate supportive grandparent.
Playing games with family and friends was probably George's most beloved pastime of all. He loved playing just about any game, but by far his favorite was the card game "Rook." Countless treasured memories were forged in the minds of all that knew him from late-night hands of Rook. Much to the chagrin of all those who played against him, George always dominated the game and rarely lost. Many will fondly remember him for his extreme competitive spirit and will to succeed, no matter what the game or challenge. He always played by a particular set of rules that later infamously became known to many across the country as "George Gray Rules." His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all those that knew and loved him.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Donald & Janet Gray; brothers, John & Donald Gray; sister, Janet (Gray) Kearns; son, George Gray Jr.; first wife, Margie (Hough) Gray; and father-in-law, Neil Gibby.
George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Krystyne (Gibby) Gray; 10 children, Scott & Ann (Tingey) Gray, Brad Gray, Dallas & Teresa (Gavin) Gray, Brad & Kelly (Gray) Fisher, Brian & Holly (Gray) Caskey, Chris Francis, Dana & Anthony Francis-Albano, Jamie & Heidi (Francis) Waller, Josh & Jennifer (Gray) Hill, Ryan & Laura (Gray) Stephens; his sister, Mary (Gray) Westover; mother-in-law, Betty (Bailey) Gibby); brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Robertson) Gray, Jim Gibby, Steve & Pamela Gibby, Lon & Mary Ann (Bickley) Gibby, Alan & Sharon (Eastwood) Gibby, Lance & Dawna (Gibby) Montgomery, Steve & Jan (Gibby) Bailey, and Dan Gibby; 43 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren (and counting), and numerous nieces and nephews.
"Be someone's sunshine when their skies are Gray"
Internment: July 31, 2020
George and his family spent most of his growing years in Hawthorne, California. One of his very first jobs was delivering newspapers on his motor scooter for the Los Angeles Times. George's parents instilled in him the value of hard work, responsibility, discipline, loyalty, and dedication. During his lifetime, George was able to achieve each of these noble traits with great honor.
Education was extremely important to George throughout his life. He graduated in 1951 from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California. George attended Brigham Young University and El Camino Community College for his undergraduate education and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1957.
Directly after graduation, George and his new little family moved to Hemet, California to open a dental practice. He served the dental needs of countless valley residents for over 57 years before retiring.
George was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of his Savior and readily shared it with all he knew. He served faithfully and diligently in all of his church callings his entire life. Some of the many callings he had included: deacon's quorum advisor, member of the stake high council, seminary teacher, councilor in the stake presidency, bishop (twice), home teacher, and ministering brother. His last calling was that of stake patriarch, with over 500 blessings given. Many of his grandchildren had the remarkable privilege of receiving their patriarchal blessing from him.
He was a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America, starting the scouting program at an early age. He raised and taught all of his boys (and some grandson's too) what it meant to be a good scout. George achieved the highest honor in scouting by successfully earning his Eagle Scout in his youth. He later went on to serve as the Scoutmaster for the Hemet valley. George perfectly emulated the scout oath in his life as it states: "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
George loved his wife, Krystyne, more than anything. He would often be found supporting her in her endeavors within the community or sharing stories of adoration for her to their children.
George had many talents and hobbies. He had a beautiful talent for oil painting. He gave many of his paintings as gifts to his family and friends. You knew you were someone special if you received a George Gray original!
To say that gardening was a passion and talent of his would be an understatement. He loved getting his hands in the soil and growing all things beautiful. His yard was his reward, and gave him many hours of enjoyment. His family affectionately called him "The Lizard" because he would stay outside most days working on his yard even in the Hemet heat.
George was blessed with a talent for music of all kinds, but he was best known for playing the accordion. He started playing the accordion as a small boy. It was a tradition to have him play for family gatherings and especially on Christmas Eve. It was one of the highlights for the holidays!
George was an expert snow-skier. There were many trips to Mammoth Lakes for skiing during the winter months with both family and friends. Other sports he loved to participate in were tennis, playing/umpiring mens slow pitch softball, playing/refereeing basketball, golf, and competing in the Senior Olympics in Hemet. Aside from participating in his favorite sports, George loved cheering on his favorite team, the USC Trojans. USC football was a staple on Saturday's during football season and he was always a loyal fan. Yet, nothing made him more proud than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete and perform in any activity that made them happy. He was the ultimate supportive grandparent.
Playing games with family and friends was probably George's most beloved pastime of all. He loved playing just about any game, but by far his favorite was the card game "Rook." Countless treasured memories were forged in the minds of all that knew him from late-night hands of Rook. Much to the chagrin of all those who played against him, George always dominated the game and rarely lost. Many will fondly remember him for his extreme competitive spirit and will to succeed, no matter what the game or challenge. He always played by a particular set of rules that later infamously became known to many across the country as "George Gray Rules." His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all those that knew and loved him.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Donald & Janet Gray; brothers, John & Donald Gray; sister, Janet (Gray) Kearns; son, George Gray Jr.; first wife, Margie (Hough) Gray; and father-in-law, Neil Gibby.
George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Krystyne (Gibby) Gray; 10 children, Scott & Ann (Tingey) Gray, Brad Gray, Dallas & Teresa (Gavin) Gray, Brad & Kelly (Gray) Fisher, Brian & Holly (Gray) Caskey, Chris Francis, Dana & Anthony Francis-Albano, Jamie & Heidi (Francis) Waller, Josh & Jennifer (Gray) Hill, Ryan & Laura (Gray) Stephens; his sister, Mary (Gray) Westover; mother-in-law, Betty (Bailey) Gibby); brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Robertson) Gray, Jim Gibby, Steve & Pamela Gibby, Lon & Mary Ann (Bickley) Gibby, Alan & Sharon (Eastwood) Gibby, Lance & Dawna (Gibby) Montgomery, Steve & Jan (Gibby) Bailey, and Dan Gibby; 43 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren (and counting), and numerous nieces and nephews.
"Be someone's sunshine when their skies are Gray"
Internment: July 31, 2020
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