Mike Gray

Michael Albert Gray was born to Delmar and Bessie (Smith) Gray at the Mitchell County Hospital on August 30, 1950. He passed away unexpectedly at his home, September 4, 2009 at the age of 59 years.
Mike was proud to call Beloit home. In high school, he helped at the plumbing shop when he wasn't playing sports. He ran cross-country and played basketball. Delmar followed his sporting events and coached Mike's teams. Father and son also shared a love for hunting and fishing.
Graduating from BHS in 1968, he continued his schooling at Wichita State University for two years. After leaving college, Mike spent time with Larry Smith as a plumbing apprentice in Sheridan, Wyoming. Returning to Beloit, he worked with his Dad and Grandpa Albert. Following Albert's death, the business became Gray Plumbing. Likewise, Mike in turn ran the business after his father, Delmar, died.
In the 70's, Mike sported long, brown curly hair and his sweetheart Rose (Wessling) had long blond hair, true hippies at heart. On May 11, 1974, the two were married and spent their honeymoon camping at Lake Wilson. Later, children Tara (1976) and Patrick (1979) were born.
Mike was a member of the Beloit Fire Department for 17 years until his children's activities became more important. He changed roles from firefighter to coach. Mike never missed any of his children's games. If his children or grandchildren played the sport, Mike coached it. He was knowledgeable and patient. His family often said he should have been a teacher and a coach.
Like his father, Mike shared his passion for hunting and fishing. Mike did the same with Patrick. In his later years, Mike served on the Beloit Country Club board, many of them as President.
Mike will be remembered most for the loving support he gave to his family, especially his grandchildren. Cooking for his family, watching Nascar with Hudson, and buying clothes for the little girls were some of Mike's favorite things. He was all about spending time with and loving Rose and his family.
He will be missed by his wife Rose, daughter Tara and husband Chris Pruitt and daughter Bently; son Patrick and wife Lindsay and children Hudson, Dakota, and Gunner, sister Vickie and husband Charlie Mears, three brothers-in-law David and Pam, Roger and Ardella, and Danny, a sister-in-law Joni, and nieces and nephew Jennifer, Sandy, Natalie, Heather, Morgan, and Alex and their families.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the St. John's Catholic Church followed by burial in St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the McDonald Funeral Home, where a prayer service will take place at 7:00 PM Tuesday. Memorials may be given to the Mike Gray Athletic Scholarship Fund.