George (Sonny) Gerald Gray Jr. passed peacefully away on January 7, 2022.  He was surrounded with love by his family at the time of his passing.  George was a long-time resident of Cecil County Maryland.

His memory will live on with his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce A. Gray (Dean).  As well as through his daughter Karla A. Howell, son Todd G. Gray, grandson Justin Howell (Kathleen) and granddaughter Katelyn Henley (Robert) and great grandchildren, James, Ryan, Davin, Amelia and Lillian as well as many in laws, nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his brothers Frank Gray (Betty) and Kenneth Gray (Marie), and by longtime friends Andy DeMond, Donnie Green and special buddy Paul Kehnast (Secretary Joy).

He is preceded in death by his sister Maryann Gray (Vannoy) and his son In law Wayne E Howell.

George never knew a stranger; they were always a friend and he was always a giving person.  George was a long-time fisherman, boater and hunter.  He had many hunting and fishing stories to share from years back.  George was also a member of the Eagle Hunting Club.  He was also instrumental in the North East Water Festival and competed in many sculling (rowing) competitions.  George was a hobby farmer and had huge gardens with hundreds of tomato plants and veggies that he and his wife canned and gave away to those that wanted it or was in need.

George served in the US Navy during the Korean War on the Destroyer USS Stribling from 1953-1957. Due to his service, he was a lifelong member of VFW Post # 6027 in North East, Maryland.  After the Navy, George (where they all called him Buck) retired from CSX Railroad Corporation as a Regional Roadmaster in 1991.  His territory was from Hanover Pennsylvania Subdivision out to Huntington, WV as well as the cities of Philadelphia and Baltimore Yards. He oversaw leading people and making sure trains traversed safely carrying people and goods.  He saw many name changes with the railroad from B&O, Chessie System and CSX.  Through the many years he was there, he gained lifelong friends that he kept in contact with up until today.

Up until a few years ago, George and wife would winter over in Key Largo Florida.  They spent many great seasons boating, fishing and witnessing fabulous sunsets with their dear Florida friends over the Buttonwood Bay.

George suffered from Parkinson's disease since 2006.  He met this opposition with grace, kindness, humor and being headstrong just like he did with any other challenge he had in his life.  During the end stage of his disease, he received excellent care from his wife, daughter, son and granddaughter.  He also had the great experience of having support and guidance from the Amedisys Hospice team. The family extends a special thank you to nurses Beth, Marilyn, Kelsey and Hospice Aide Tammy.

Interment will be private at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Maryland which will include military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research, c/o Galena Funeral Home, PO Box 235, Galena, MD 21635