John Richard Gray, Sr.

John Richard Gray, Sr. was born on November 30, 1925 in La Grande to John Elmer and Beulah Margaret (Francis) Gray.  Because his father worked for the railroad, the family lived in several small towns throughout eastern Oregon, settling in Hilgard in 1932 when he was 7.  While attending elementary school in Hilgard one-room-school, his sister Marjorie introduced him to Jean Freeland, who would eventually become his wife.  John also attended Greenwood School in La Grande.  During the depression era times were hard and often he would have to walk from Hilgard to La Grande to attend high school.  After high school he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  After his honorable discharge from the Navy John worked as a logger and for Mt. Emily Lumber Company.  John and Jean were married on September 10, 1947 at his parent's cabin at Hilgard.  After their marriage they worked for Eldridge's Slaughterhouse before making their home in Umatilla.  They eventually returned to Hilgard where they remained for the rest of their lives.  John spent a 38 year career with Union Pacific Railroad, retiring as a track foreman.  After 71 years of marriage Jean preceded him in death on December 24, 2018.  He also worked with the U.S. Forest Service fire suppression crews for many years.

John was a devoted member of the Kingdom-Hall Jehovah's Witnesses.  He was a lifetime member of the NRA.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting old guns and working on old cars.  His favorite time was spent with family, especially with his brother, Jim, who was also his best friend up until Jim's death.  

Relatives who remain are his son John Gray, Jr. and his wife Renate of Hilgard, daughters, Linda Young of Hilgard, Vicky Gray of La Grande; grandchildren, Christopher Gray, Shasta Corcoran, Josh Young, David Gray-O'Quinn, Jessey Gray-O'Quinn, Sirus Gray-O'Quinn, Frankie Gray-Elliott; numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents and brother, he was preceded in death his sister Marjorie Dohnal and by grandchildren, Jeremy Michael Gray, Michelle Marie Young, baby Gray-O'Quinn and Robert Gray-Elliott.

Contributions in memory of John R. Gray, Sr. may be made to the Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witnesses, c/o Linda Young, 58305 Hilgard Lane, La Grande, OR  97850.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hilgard Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held later at the Kingdom Hall in La Grande.