Timothy Gray
July 01, 1946 - April 28, 2014
Obituary
GRAY, Timothy Michael of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Monday, April 28, 2014 at Covenant Healthcare - Cooper with his family by his side. He was 67 years old. Timothy M. Gray was born on July 1, 1946 in Saginaw to the late Richard I. and Luella V. (Clay) Gray. Tim graduated from Ss. Peter & Paul High School in 1966 where he participated on the basketball, football and track teams. He attended Mott Community College and received his Associates Degree in Fire Science. Tim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. While serving, he married the love of his life, Cheryl L. French, on January 20, 1968 at St. Helen Catholic Church in Saginaw. She survives him. Tim was employed by the City of Saginaw Fire Department where he rose through the ranks before retiring as the Fire Department Chief in 1999. He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic minister. He was also a member of Maple Hill Golf Course. Tim loved all sports, and in warmer weather he could be found enjoying a game of golf or sailing on his "Sail Boats". Tim bowled two 300 games during his lifetime and held a lifetime pass at one of the bowling alleys in Canton, Ohio. Following retirement, Tim enjoyed traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren. Surviving besides his wife of 46 years, Cheryl, are his daughter, Kari (Randy) Keith of Saginaw; three grandchildren: Jacob Gray, Elliott and Alexander Keith; mother-in-law, Shirley French; and brother, Neil (Kathy) Gray of Middletown, OH. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael P. Gray; and brother, Richard F. Gray. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2014 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Roselawn Memorial Garden. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Saginaw Fire Department will conduct a walk through and service honoring Timothy at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday lead by Chaplain William Howard. Timothy will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Youth Haven Ranch. Please share your thoughts and memories at the church, funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com
Events
There are no events for Timothy yet.
Photos
No photos of Timothy have been shared yet.
Memories
TH
Tyrone Harge
Other •
Training Officer Gray was my training officer when I hired on the department. I remember, though fitness was always a major part of my life, I was in the worst shape ever during those first couple of weeks (another story). Duringl a training exercise and after using an axe to cut a hole in a hard wood floor, I felt the urge to faint. I told him so, which I felt was better than just falling flat on my face. He allowed me to sit down, relax and with steam coming from my head, get my stuff together. He seemed to understand my feelings and at no point did he add to my embarrassment. In fact he was just the opposite, encouraging and positive. I never forgot that moment and it helped shape my attitude throughout my career. Years later, I was honored with winning the prestigious "Firefighter of the Year" award Chief Gray came to Fordney Park a couple of mornings prior to the ceremony just to have a private talk and a cup of coffee. I asked him if it was okay if I say a few words since prior winners had not. I explained how important this award was to me and my family, I assured him I would keep it positive. Again he seemed to understand my feelings and allowed me the honor to publicly express my gratitude. These are small moments but they're memories of appreciation I'll always cherish.
Tyrone E. Harge
Battalion Chief (Retired)
K
Kari
Other •
1 file added to the tribute wall
K
Kari
Other •
If you are someone visiting this wall and are uncertain about sharing a thought or memory, please know how reading them brings my mom and I such comfort!
BC
Barb and Jim Chernow
Other •
Barb And Jim Chernow lit a candle in memory of Timothy Michael Gray
AS
Angela Smith
Other •
I am honored and blessed to have been hired into the SFD when Chief Gray was at the helm. To this day and always will remember what he did for all of us and how he always stood behind us even in his position. Chief Gray was there for me through all the good times and bad--the tragedies we all have gone through in life, we could always count of Chief to help us see the positive outcome. One can never forget his fave line---smokem if you gotem, bummem' if you don't! Treasures we all will have in our hearts for life.
A. Smith
SS
Steve Seeley
Other •
Sorry to hear of your loss The only one in your family that probably would remember me is Neil. Tim did some flying with us at HW Browne airport and I new his dad very well as he worked part time for us also Neil learned to fly years ago with us remember whole family as very good people even though it has been long time since I have seen any of you I do wish you the best have very good memories of your family. Was also saddened to hear of Tims son dying. Steve & Judy Seeley