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Donald William Gray
Born: 11/14/1928
Died: 9/23/2023
Age: 94
Community: Burton, MI
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GRAY, DONALD WILLIAM – Of Burton, age 94, died Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Michigan Veteran Homes.
Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Father Roy Horning officiating.
Burial in Great Lakes National Cemetery, where he will be united with his wife, Bonnie.
Those desiring may make contributions for a park bench in Don’s name at the Michigan Veterans Home in Chesterfield, Michigan or for Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Visitation 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Donald was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 14, 1928, the son of the late Raleigh and Rhea Gray.
His dream job of working for the Railroad happened in 1949 with Grand Trunk Western RR, when he was later called to Duty by the Navy in 1950, during the Korean War, serving 14 months at sea on the USS Colohan with the Pacific Fleet, along with the USS New Jersey. Upon returning from war he married Bonnie Lou LaGraff on October 18, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on March 26, 2007.
He returned to work for 42 years for Grand Trunk RR as railroad conductor/lineman/switchman, before retiring in 1993.
His love for the military and the railroad carried on with him, volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol as Lieutenant Colonel for nearly 35 years, as well as volunteering with the Durand Railroad and Crossroads Village, until 2022.
Mr. Gray was a member and usher at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. John Vianney Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He was also member of the Flushing Road Runners Square Dance Club and called square dancing for the Clio Senior Citizens.
Mr. Gray was a volunteer and CPR instructor at the American Red Cross and lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He loved boating, fishing, hunting and family. He was a member with Script A Regional Model A Club and he loved driving his Model A.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Donna and husband Mike Sunday of Flint,
Barb and husband Mike Lloyd of Davison;
2 grandchildren, Jamie (Joe) Uhelski and Scott Swanson;
3 great-grandchildren, Maddy and Joey Uhelski and Ezra Swanson;
many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie and daughter, Jan Swanson.
Special thank you to the Medical Team Hospice and the Veterans Administration.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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9/28/2023 |
| Time: |
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1:00 PM |
| Visitation 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023 and 10 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m. at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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9/29/2023 |
| Time: |
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11:30 AM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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