Russell H. Gray, 89, of Tulsa, OK, passed away May 17, 2010, in Tulsa. He was born April 30, 1921, in Glouster, Virginia, to Russell H. and Mary (Sinclair) Gray.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy on the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Augusta. He took part in the Normandy D-day Landings, the invasion of Southern France, and took President Truman to Antewerp, Belgium for the Postdam Conference. He continued to be a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, and the American Legion Post 1 of Tulsa, OK.
Russell was the founder and President of Graphics, Incorporation, which he started in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1947. In 1953 he established a division of Graphics in Poteau, OK. Graphics became a division of Johnson Control Incorporation in 1960. He moved his family to Poteau, Oklahoma in 1964, where he retired in 1973, then moved to Destin, Florida. Later in his life he moved to Denver, Colorado, then to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He served in Rotary Club International from 1952, acquiring Senior Active Status. He was a very independent, sufficient man with a lot of friends. His interests included duplicate bridge, reading and world travel.
He was preceded in death by Hannah, his wife of 49 years and the mother of his children; a daughter, Mary Louise Chapman; a grandson, John Rilee; a great granddaughter, Jody Rilee-Wilson and Mary Gray, his second wife of 8 years.
He is survived by two daughters; Roberta G. Simonton of Denver, Colorado; and Roselyn G. Gira of Poteau, Oklahoma, nine grandchildren; twelve beautiful great-grandchildren, and a great- great granddaughter, as well as many other loved ones and friends.
A memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 20, 2010, at the First Christian Church in Poteau, OK, with Pastor Dennis Jones officiating. Russell requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Destine, FL. Cremation under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home, Poteau, Oklahoma. You may leave an on-line message at www.gracemanorfh.com