Don Gray Jr.

Anchorage resident Don Gray Jr., 80, died Oct. 12, 2007, at home of acute myolitic leukemia and Parkinson's disease.
A memorial service was Tuesday at noon at Anchorage Baptist Temple. The Rev. Bill Leight officiated.
Don was born Dec. 18, 1926, in Breckenridge, Texas. He graduated from high school and then attended Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. He later joined the U.S. Army and served in World War II. While in the Army Reserves, he was called back to active duty to fight in Korea.
He became a resident of Alaska in 1965, living in Soldotna until 1966, and then becoming a resident of Anchorage. He was a service manager for Northwest Airlines, retiring in October 1989.
He was a member of Anchorage Baptist Temple. He enjoyed sports. He played football for Texas Tech. He was the co-captain when they played in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 1953, and won that game. Later he found out that was the first televised college game. He also loved to fish.
His family wrote, "He will be deeply missed by his family and friends."
Don is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Vera DeSpain, Tim and Twyla DeSpain, all of Texas; son, Robert McMannors of Anchorage; daughter and son-in-law, Cassandra and Richard Lackie; daughter, Dorene Wilhoit of Anchorage; grandchildren, Ryan, Randy, Nicholas and Laura; great-grandchild, McKinsey; brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Elizabeth Gray, Will and Emma Gray, all of Breckenridge; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Sr. and Della; sisters, Mary, Alma and Kate; and brother, Jim.
Memorial donations can be made to Salvation Army, 143 E. Ninth Ave., Anchorage 99510 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Local arrangements are with Witzleben Family Funeral Homes & Crematory.