Roland L. “Roscoe” Gray, 65 years, of Bryan, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at his home. Roland was born August 28, 1950 in Defiance, Ohio, the son of the late L.C. and Datha (Groh) Gray. He attended Defiance High School before serving our country in the United States Army during the Viet Nam Era. He married Cathy Salyer in August of 1975 and she preceded him in death. He then married Sharon A. Suffel (Walters) on October 12, 1996 and she survives.
Roland was employed by the former Vistron Corporation (JCIM) as a truck driver for 39 years, retiring in 2012. He was a member of the Bryan VFW Post 2489 where he served as Post Commander. He also served as a VFW District Commander. Roland was also a member of AMVETS Post 54, Bryan American Legion Post 284, and Bryan Eagles Aerie 2233. Roland was a big time sports fan, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Reds, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was an avid bowler and recently began golfing. But what he most treasured was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Roland also enjoyed adding items to his M&M collection.
Surviving is his wife Sharon of Bryan; 4 children, Abby Gray of Bryan, Ohio, Zachary Gray of Bryan, Ohio, Heidi (Adam Shutts) Hemenway of Bryan and Greg (Nicole Dennison) Walters of Sherwood; three grandchildren, MaKayah Long of Montpelier, Cory and Austin Hemenway of Bryan; one great-grandson, Caius Long; stepmother, Betty Gray of Defiance; three brothers, Dan Gray of Defiance, Deane Gray of Toledo and Rick ( Barb) Gray of Defiance; three sisters, Roxanne ( Ken) Gifford of Defiance, Dawn (John) Relyea of Defiance and Deb (William) Cheek of Defiance. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Quincy Biard.
Visitation for Roland L. Gray will be held Monday, December 7, 2015 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Lynn Street Chapel, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2015 with Ted Mathes officiating. Interment will follow in Fountain Grove Cemetery where Military Graveside Rites will be accorded by the Bryan VFW Post 2489.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial donations be given to any Veterans Organization of the donor’s choosing. Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com