Gray, John E., 68, December 27, 2013. Spring interment to be held in the Sedgwick Cemetery. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton.
HOULTON – John Everett Gray, 68, passed away peacefully at his home on December 27. He was born September 10, 1945 in Castine, the sixth of six children to Earl Warren and Erma Bell (Nevells) Gray.
John’s wonderful smile, sparkling blue eyes and sense of humor won the hearts of the many people who worked with him and encountered him in the community. John lived at Forest Springs Group Home for 17 years. He spent the last six months of his life at Harmony Nursing Home. He loved to tease and be teased by the people who worked with him. The loving care provided by these individuals brightened each of his days. John was loved by many and will be sorely missed. John spent the majority of his younger years in Down East Maine. For many years his brother, Gaylen, organized a family reunion and cook-out at Lamoine Beach. John would spend a night or two in the Ellsworth area. Each year, more family members gathered to see Johnnie. John looked forward to and talked about his vacation all throughout the year. He loved music of any kind, spending time outdoors, cooking burgers on the grill, Chinese takeout, coffee and cruising in his motorized wheelchair. Visits with friends and family members meant the world to John. In addition to his vacation, John’s favorite occasions were his birthday and Christmas. Although John became seriously ill and doctors did not expect him to survive the summer of 2012, John wasn’t ready to go until he had celebrated two more birthdays and Christmases. Until his health began to fail, John regularly attended the Houlton Wesleyan Church. He especially enjoyed the musical portion of the service.
John is survived by his brothers, Gaylen Gray of Bucksport, Durwood Gray of East Machias, David Gray of Andover, NY and his twin sister, Joan Gomm of Bangor; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Earl Gray.
Friends called 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water Street, Houlton where funeral services were held at 12 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Robertson officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the United Cerebral Palsy Association, 700 Mt. Hope Ave, Bangor ME 04401 or to Forest Springs Group Home, 7 Abraham Ct. Houlton, ME 04730. A spring interment will be in the Sedgwick Cemetery. For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.
