John Gray

JOHN C. GRAY JR. John C. Gray Jr. of Chico went home to be with the Lord Monday Oct. 13th, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family here in Chico. John was born August 24, 1924 in Erin, TN to John C. Gray and Minnie Walker Gray. John was the oldest of two sons. He graduated from Clarksville High School in Clarksville, TN in June of 1942. He was employed by H.G. Grocery until he was drafted into the service in March of 1943. He served in the Army Air Corps in bases in Utah, Nebraska, New York, Indiana and in California. He was stationed at the Chico Air Base , which is now the Chico airport, and in October of 1944 he met the Love of his Life Gertrude (Trudy) Abernathy. They were married on July 2nd, 1945 in Durham, CA . He was discharged from the service in 1946. They moved back to Clarksville in 1946. He was a fireman at Fort Campbell KY. For 5 years and also 5 years at Clarksville Fire Department. The family moved back to Chico in 1957 to raise his family. John was a volunteer Fireman with North Chico Co. of Butte County Fire for sometime. He also served with the Chico Police Department as a reserve officer. John worked for the Continental Nut Company for sometime as well before his retirement. He is survived by his loving, amazing wife of 69 years, Trudy of Chico, daughters , Diane Newquist, Nancy Starky, Robin Neel of Chico, Gail Stigall of Corning, CA sons Charles and Rodney Gray of Chico, 21 grandchildren and many great -grandchildren, also his brother Walker Gray of Clarksville, TN. Preceded in death by a son John C. Gray III, a police officer in Biggs Oct 29th, 1975. Also a grandson J.J. Gray. A Celebration of his life will be held Sunday, October 19th in the Chapel of the Brusie Funeral Home at 2 P.M. followed by a potluck reception at the Casa De Flores Mobile Home Park in Chico. Condolences can be made online at www.BrusieFH.com