Carl Gray

Carl Gray Age: 74 years A resident of Vienna, IL. Passed away Friday evening, March 13, 2009, at 8:30 PM at his home in Vienna. Carl was born April 16, 1934 in Elizabethtown, Illinois. He was the son of Charles J. Gray and Violet L. (Thompson) Gray. Carl was united in marriage to Theresa (Gillespie) on March 24, 1956 at the Vienna First Baptist Church by the Rev. R.F. Richardson. She survives. In addition to his Wife, Carl is survived by: His Mother - Violet Gray of Vienna, IL a Son - Joe M. Gray of Vienna, IL a Brother - Jim Gray, and his wife Joyce, of Vienna, IL a Sister - Charlene James, and her husband Eddie, of Karnak, IL an Uncle - Robie Thompson of Oelwein, Iowa Several Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces, & Great Nephews, as well as cousins, other relatives & many dear friends. Carl was preceded in death by his Father, Charles J. Gray. Carl was a 1952 graduate of the Vienna High School. He was employed as a monument installer by the J.W. Reynolds Monument Company. From 1969 until his retirement in 1991, Carl was employed as a maintenance laborer at the Clyde L. Choate Mental Health & Development Center in Anna, IL. Carl was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed many types of small game hunting, particularly rabbit, squirrel, & coon hunting. Additionally, Carl had a lifelong interest in raising poultry, including ducks and pheasants. From the age of 4 years, when he was given his first chicken, until just 2 weeks prior to his passing, Carl continually raised chickens. He was noted for raising and improving several breeds of chickens which are not usually native to southern Illinois. Carl was a Life Member of the original Mt. Cur Breeders Association; a member and director of the Midwest Bird and Animal Association; a member of the Heart of America Game Breeders Association; and a member of the Illinois Game and Pet Breeders Society. Carl was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna, IL. A Graveside Service will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2009, at 2:30 PM at the Bridges Cemetery, southwest of Vienna, IL. Rev. Raymond Davis and Dr. Ed Hollis will officiate. Friends may call from 12 Noon - 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or to the Bridges Cemetery Fund, PO Box 111, Vienna, IL 62995

Carl Gray

April 16, 1934 - March 13, 2009