Michael Gray

Farmington
Michael Emory Gray
July 30, 1950 - June 29, 2014

Michael Emory Gray, 63, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, June 29, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born July 30, 1950, in Del Norte, Colo., to Shirley and William Emory. Mike was married to the love of his life, Cindi, for 43 years. Together they had four children, Mitchell (wife Ida), Catherine, Shawna and Carolyn (husband Dave). Mike was preceded in death by his parents Shirley and William Emory, his grandparents, and a grandson. In addition to his immediate family, Mike is also survived by 14 grandchildren, seven granddaughters and seven grandsons; and one great grandson; his sister Darla Jean Perea; a niece, a nephew; numerous cousins; an uncle, and a very large extended family of loving and devoted friends. Mike was very patriotic and served his country with pride in the U.S. Air Force as a Crew Chief from 1969 until 1972. He was stationed at the Da Nang Air Force Base in Viet Nam for thirteen months.Those who knew Mike, knew that he was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Loyalty was one of his key strengths. Mike loved to ride his Harley Ultra Glide motorcycle with Cindi. It was his pride and joy. He also enjoyed playing a round of golf and taught his daughter, Carolyn, how to play. Most importantly, Mike was a born-again Christian. To quote his close family members, he was "a Denver Bronco loving, John Wayne watching, gun totin', die-hard Republican. Mike loved country music, and he and Cindi seldom missed a LeRoy Van Dyke concert. Mike was a radio DJ for many years. He and Terry Pearson used to do a radio show at what was then The Inn Best Western on Friday and Saturday nights.Mike hosted the overnight show on KTRA and was known for filling in at the last minute when someone could not work a shift. He was personal friends with country great, Moe Bandy. More recently, Mike sold advertising for The Daily Times and enjoyed meeting and working with his clients. Terry Pearson referred to Mike Gray as a loyal friend, who you could trust with your life. He was a man of his word and he was a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fly fish. Cremation has taken place. Honorary pallbearers are Dave Dozler, Hunter Gray, William Gray, Terry Pearson, Bill Pipkin, David Secrest, Charles Shawhan, Bill Snively, Lee Swanson and Mitchell Swanson. Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post #2182 of Farmington.Services will be at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, 200 W. Sycamore Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Mike's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, 505-327-5142. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com.