Paul D. Gray

1962 - 2023

Paul D. Gray
July 11, 1962 - June 7, 2023
O'Fallon, Illinois - Paul David Gray, 60, of O'Fallon, IL, born on July 11, 1962, in Belleville, IL passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at his home.
Paul grew up in a house with four sisters, and he had a fun time pulling pranks on them. After attending Belleville East High School, Paul joined the Army and served for three years, which began his 30+ year career as a small engine mechanic. Anytime he came across an engine or piece of equipment, whether it be a lawnmower from the 1950s he bought for $10.00, or a generator someone gave him that wasn't working, he took each as a challenge to get running, which he usually did. Paul spent many years in Houston, TX, where he had his three children while perfecting his mechanical craft and becoming a die-hard forever fan of the Houston Astros. He was a generous person who had a hard time saying no to anyone and touched so many lives over the years. He had a great sense of humor and was always telling corny jokes. He loved classic rock, everything from The Beatles to T-Rex, and while listening to K-SHE, he could always tell who sang a particular song along with a bit of trivia about the song/artist. Paul also enjoyed picking up antique radios and getting them working. His passion was restoring old AMC Rambler cars, with his current one in his favorite color, green. He also spent much of his time on YouTube, watching everything from small engine repair videos to The Three Stooges. After moving back home, he was finally able to marry the love of his life. Paul will be missed deeply by everyone who knew and loved him. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Vernon Gray and Euline Mary Blanche Gray Mason (nee Meddows); and his stepfather, Paul Mason.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Gray (nee Franks) of O'Fallon, IL; three children, Ashley Gray of Houston, TX, Paul David (Carly) Gray of College Station, TX, Cienna Gray of College Station, TX; stepchildren, Robert Lawter of O'Fallon, IL, Jorden Massey of O'Fallon, IL, Erin Hanny of O'Fallon, IL; four sisters, Charlotte Gray of Belleville, IL, Paula (Larry) Carter of Shiloh, IL, Darla Gray of Shiloh, IL, Tracy (Tim) Hendricks of O'Fallon, IL; nine nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and nephews; and three step-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rambler Ranch; https://ramblerranch.com. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Horner Park Recreation Hall; 11113 Widicus Rd., Lebanon, IL 62254.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home in O'Fallon, IL.