March 24, 1928 – August 17, 2023
Melvin Ross Gray, 95 was born on March 24, 1928, and left us on August 17, 2023, at IU Health Bloomington. His parents were Byron and Lorene (Chatham) Gray. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of over 70 years Margie Hall Gray, a sister Rowena McBride and a brother James Arthur Gray.
He was a graduate of Orleans High School. He married his beloved Margie on June 11, 1950. He is survived by daughters Mary Lea (Jan) Brown of Orleans, and Melva Gray of Indianapolis, and grandson Jesse Brown of New Albany.
He will also be missed by nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Phyllis Gray and Barbara Hall, other extended family members, the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church family, and neighbors and friends in the community.
He was a member of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, where he attended faithfully from birth. He was a deacon and deacon emeritus. He served in several leadership roles including church treasurer, trustee, and longtime chair of the cemetery committee. The couple were members of Gideon International and charter members of the local organization. He, along with Margie, served many years on the Farm Bureau Inc. board of directors. They were very involved as volunteers for the Barnyard Carnival from its inception. He had been engaged with Orleans elementary school students in the TOUCH program. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Pleasant Cemetery Fund of Orleans or the Orange County chapter of Gideon International.
The family expresses much appreciation to Paoli Health and Living staff where he had resided for the past 2 years. He appreciated their attention and care. Appreciation is also given to the IU Paoli Hospital ER staff as well as the medical staff at IU Bloomington Hospital.
Visitation will be on Saturday, August 19 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 20 from noon to time of service at Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home in Orleans. The funeral service will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jared Hardin officiating. The burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.
