Harold Palmer Gray
Harold Palmer Gray, 90, of Charlotte, a man greatly respected for his integrity and honor, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Born in Kawkawlin, MI on October 11, 1932, to Glen and Pearl (Jonas) Gray, Harold graduated from Eastern High School in 1950 and married the love of his life, Lauralyn Puffer, in December of 1951. An excellent Tool and Die maker, he crafted his skill over the years as he worked for Oldsmobile, GM, Fisher Body, Demmer Tool & Die, Olofsson’s Machine Tools Inc., and Cameron Tool & Die. The Grays spent eight years as Managers of Tecumseh Woods Lutheran Church Camp in Tipton, MI. Team One Chevrolet was his most recent employer, retiring from there at the age of 80. A member of Peace Lutheran Church for 30 years, Harold spent lots of time there volunteering for different projects and enjoying time with his church family.
While Harold was a skilled tool and die maker, he was also adept at many other things and a “jack of all trades,” which was great since he always liked to be busy. He was very proud of his 1929 Oldsmobile 2-door sedan that he restored. Other activities that kept him busy included woodworking (making jewelry armoires for his girls and toy boxes for all his grandchildren), playing pool, working on plumbing and electrical, he loved to hunt, and enjoyed the outdoors and long bike rides. His sense of humor was very quiet, he had a lifelong affliction with paronomasia (go look it up).
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lauralyn; his daughters, Jan (Randy) Bruce, Sue (Richie) Johnson, both of Charlotte, and Amy (Stephen) Arneric’ of Leander, TX; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peace Lutheran Church in honor of Harold Gray. Memories on Harold may be shared on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.