John "Jack" GrayJohn E. 'Jack' Gray, 78 PORTLAND -- John E. 'Jack' Gray, 78, died peacefully Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 at the Gosnell House. He was born in Portland, May 21, 1931 a son of Sherman W. and Berta Chase Gray. He moved to Freeport when he was six and back to Portland when he was 15. He attended local schools, winning the National Essay Contest and a six week Mediterranean cruise. He graduated from Deering High School in 1949 and then attended the University of Maine at Orono. Following high school, Mr. Gray went to work for F.W. Woolworth Co., where he managed four stores through out New England and New York. In 1960, he joined the Wellwood Co., retiring after 27 years as store manager. For several years he worked as a bookkeeper for Roak's Seven Acres Greenhouses. Mr. Gray was member of Deering Lodge #183 where he served as master from 1976-1977, was a charter member of the Lodge of Research, was bestowed the 33rd degree in Milwaukee in 1990, member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Portland where he served as Most Wise master from 1983-1985 and where he also served on the make-up crew. He was Assistant Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Maine from 1979-1984, served as Deputy District Grand Master from 1984-1986, served on the Masonic Education and Lodge Services Committee for eight years, member of DeMolay and a member of Kora Temple Shrine and the Kora Royal Guards. Mr. Gray was also a charter member and past president of the Deering Lions Club where he had 22 years of perfect attendence. He was a member of the Woodfords Club and served as president from 1980-1981, member of the Maine Charitable Mechanics Association serving as vice presdent and president from 1977-2009 and had been a member of Central Square Baptist Church and Stevens Avenue Congregational Church. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean M. (Dodge) Gray; one daughter, Deborah Jean Alexander and her husband Michael of So. Natick, Mass., two sons, John Edward Gray Jr. and his wife Patricia of Wellesley, Mass. and William Alan 'Bill' Gray of Buxton; four grandchildren, Christina Gray, John Edward 'Jet' Gray III, Caroline Gray, David Gray; and one sister, Virginia Chretien of Gorham. Relatives and friend are invited to call at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. where a masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Wednesday Nov. 25, 2009 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Daryl Lavway will officiate. Contributions in his memory may be made to: Gosnell House 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 or: The Masonic Learning Center for Children 1903 Congress St. Portland, ME 03102 John E. Gray Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home & Cremation Service 775-3763
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