OBITUARY

Name:   Samuel Ernest Gray

From:  The Gary Post-Tribune, Gary, Indiana
Date:  Monday, June 15, 2009

Samuel Ernest "Sam" Gray, born July 23, 1921 in Dromora, County Down, Ireland, son of the late Samuel and Charlotte (nee McGrady) Gray, was within a few weeks of his 88th birthday when he died Saturday, June 13, 2009 after a stroke.

Sam enlisted in the Army during WWII and served in the Army Air Corps. He was also a member of the Glen Park Masonic Lodge. Sam had an ordinary career and ordinary hobbies during his life on Earth. He had the good fortune to have many close friends throughout his working years because he was himself a close friend. He wasn't perfect, of course, but he was deeply loved by his family; many of whom were at his bedside on Saturday. The most significant thing about Sam and something he would want mentioned here is that many years ago he came to understand God's plan of salvation. He accepted it without reservation as any born again child of God does. It was at that moment that his eternal destiny changed along with many of his pursuits in this life. He thoroughly enjoyed being an usher at Eastlake Baptist Church for many years and was gifted in making guests feel welcome. He also has many friends at Harvest Church. More recently and at the time of his death he was a member of Bethel Church. Outside of church, he felt called to distribute Bibles at nearby truck stops along with several other men in hope that others would find the peace of God's love that he had found.

Sam is survived by his wife, Sue (nee Foster) Gray of 62 years; his son, Larry (Sylvia) Gray of Fredericksburg, VA; two brothers: twin Kenneth (late Nora) Gray of Park Ridge, IL and Clifford (Mary) Gray of Corvallis, OR; two grandchildren: Cheryl (Scott) Filler of Schererville and Daniel Voiles of Merrillville; two great grandchildren: Eric and Nora Filler; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His daughter, Susan Voiles (nee Gray) also born again, predeceased him nine years ago. Also preceding in death are three brothers; and one sister. Thoughts of a wonderful reunion between father, daughter and many others make Sam's death easier to bear for the surviving family members.

The family invites relatives and friends to visit Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 S. Cline Ave. (1/2 mile S. of US 30), Schererville, IN on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with a Masonic service taking place at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, June 17, 2009 the visitation continues directly at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway; Crown Point, IN from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service taking place at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve DeWitt officiating. At rest with military honors, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Information call 219-365-9554.