Verne Gray

Verne E. Gray, 75, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, April 6, 2015 in his home following a period of declining health.

A son of the late F. Oren and Ruth Sadie (Bailey) Gray, Verne was born September 13, 1939 at Uhrichsville, Ohio.

At the age of nine, Verne’s family moved to New Philadelphia and he graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1957. Then on April 23, 1960, he married the love of his life, the former Carole Jean Winkhart. Together the couple raised 2 children, Keith and Janice.

Verne retired from Gradall at New Philadelphia where he worked in the Maintenance Department after 43 years of service. He was also a co-owner of Quaker Ambulance and an EMT instructor. Verne was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene at New Philadelphia and was a social member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W.

He had many hobbies and interests and especially enjoyed attending and window shopping at auctions, flea markets and yard sales. Most of all he enjoyed passing time on his porch with his faithful porch buddy, his Black & Tan Dachshund, Oscar.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carole Gray; his son, Keith Gray of New Philadelphia; his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and David Bonner of Tuscarawas; a granddaughter, Jennifer Williams of Nelsonville, Ohio; a grandson, Taylor Williams of New Philadelphia; a great grandson, Brayden Schwartz; a sister, Arlene (Frank) Dusini of New Philadelphia; a brother, Wayne Gray of New Philadelphia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Margaret Gray.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Verne’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service a luncheon will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County for their kindness and compassion while caring for Verne.

Contributions may be made in Verne’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.