PEA GREEN — Rodney A. Gray was born to Kenneth and Ann (Davis) Gray on April 16, 1948. He passed away on June 22, 2009 after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. A native of Peagreen, Colo., he attended school at Frost, Peagreen and Olathe. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy with his best friend, Ted Glover. While in the Navy, Rod served with the United States Seventh Fleet on the USS Coronado in 1969, he was Signalman Third Class on the USS Energy in 1971 and he served as Signalman aboard the USS St Francis River when the ship was selected as “top-gun” during the Vietnam War. Petty Officer Gray received citations for his skill and judgment in contributing to the success of his ship’s missions in the U.S. effort in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, Rodney, again with his friend Ted, enrolled in Trinidad State Collage and received gun smithing degrees.
Rod traveled around a bit but always came home to Peagreen. In 1990, Rod was blessed with his precious daughter, Anna D’Lynn Gray. Rod had many great pleasures in life. He was at home in the mountains, he loved his horses and gathering cattle, enjoyed a walk in the country either plunking at varmints or collecting arrowheads, was dedicated to increasing his knowledge, which included photography, wildlife and guns, but most of all his greatest pleasure was being the father of Anna. After Anna was born, Rod traded his ranch in Peagreen for his brother Jack’s ranch in Oklahoma. Rodney moved to Oklahoma on his new ranch but he drove up from Oklahoma more often than anyone knew, even for just one day, to spend with Anna, or to take her home to Oklahoma with him. While in Oklahoma, Rod started his career as a Department of Corrections Officer. When an opening for a corrections officer came up in Rifle, Colo., Rod applied for the position, got the job and came home to Colorado. Later he applied for and was transferred to the position of corrections officer at the Delta Department of Corrections in Delta, Colo. and then knew he was home.
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His daughter, Anna Gray, of Peagreen, survives Rod. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack Gray, Peagreen, Robert ‘Buzz’ Gray (Melanie) Olathe and a sister, Sandra Colleen Strong (Rick) Olathe, Colo., along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents, Kenneth and Ann Gray, preceded him in death.
A memorial potluck will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009, at noon, at 53968 Easter Road, Olathe. That is Jerry Gray’s home on ‘Joe Gray Hill’ straight west out of Olathe. The family has requested each of you who knew Rod to write an incident, a short note, or story about Rod to be bound together and given to his daughter.
A scholarship account has been set up for Anna Gray’s education at Wells Fargo Bank. Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory in Delta is in charge of the arrangements.
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