GRAY, Harold (Red)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona, Thursday, January 17, 2013 Harold "Red" Gray, 79, of Cornville, AZ passed away on January 2, 2013. Red was born on April 1, 1933 in Waterloo, New York, a son of Harold and Ruby Gray with 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Red moved to Arizona in 1976, where he began his construction company and worked in the carpentry trade until his retirement in 1995. Among his many life accomplishments were: service in the United States Marine Corps from July 1952 through May of 1955, with an earned rank of Sergeant. During his enlistment Red earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star (2nd award), Purple Heart (2nd award) Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal. He was honorably discharged in May 1955. He was an active member in many groups and organizations which include the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge where he was a 32nd Degree Mason and a 50 year member; a member of the Grand Lodge, Mingus Mountain Shrine Club and Shriner's International. Red served as Post Commander for the Cottonwood American Legion as well as past State Commander of the American Legion in the State of Arizona and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his beloved children: Kevin Gray and family of Cornville, AZ, Sherrie Taveria of Medford, OR, Cindy Westervelt and family of Camp Verde, AZ, Jeffery Gray and family of Tucson, AZ, 4 sisters, 2 brothers, and 9 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. There will be a graveside service at the Cottonwood Cemetery at 11:00 Saturday January 19, 2013. A full Military Service will follow at the Cottonwood American Legion, 480 Calvary Way, Cottonwood, AZ at 12:00 noon with a potluck reception. Information provided by survivors.