Rick Gray

Rick Gray, age 59, of New Philadelphia, a proud veteran, noted musician and storyteller, father and friend, died Monday, July 9, in his home. Born at Akron, Ohio, June 28, 1948, Rick was a son of the late Walt L. Gray and his wife, the former Dody E. Vigar Gray. Rick was a 1966 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He entered the United States Army following graduation and was stationed in Vietnam, Cambodia and Japan. While on his tour of duty Rick became a part of a traveling entertainment unit, a group known as the Franklin Park Zoo, in which he played the keyboard. A naturally talented musician, Rick began an interest in music at an early age by playing the piano at home. With just a week’s worth of lessons Rick became a self-taught wonder Â? able to pick up on music by listening to just a few notes. In addition to his skills as a keyboardist Rick enjoyed playing the guitar and was involved in many musical groups throughout his life including Raven, Buckwheat, Junction, Daniels & Rinehart, Shiloh, and the Half Fast Band, to name a few. Rick will be remembered by all who knew him as a fun-loving, humorous character, who made fast friends and wonderful music. At the time of his death, Rick was affiliated with Advanced Auto Parts at New Philadelphia, and for the past thirty years, had worked throughout the Dover-New Philadelphia area, first in service departments, and due in large part to his commitment to customer service, later in automotive sales. He leaves behind a family that includes his wife, Penny Gray of New Philadelphia, his son Adam (wife Amy) Gray of University Heights, Ohio, a daughter, Amanda Gray of Louisville, Tennessee, sons Jordan and Spencer Gray, both of New Philadelphia; brothers Gary W. (wife Barb) Gray of Gainesville, Florida, Nick (wife Lynn) Gray of Marysville, Tennessee, Bruce A. (wife Kris) Gray of Dover, and Don (wife Rhonda) Gray of New Philadelphia. Ten nieces, nephews and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins complete the family. In addition to his parents Rick was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Tygard. Friends are invited to call Friday from 4PM Â? 7PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where family and friends will celebrate Rick’s life in a ceremony Saturday morning, at 10:30. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal service, a reception will be given in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. The Gray family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Rainbow Connection, PO Box 288, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. Geib Funeral Center at Dover(330) 343-5506www.geibfuneral.com