Leon W. Gray

Col. Gray was a close friend of my late father, John L. McQuigg, in Italy during World War II. They kept in communication for quite a while after the War. Col. Gray was an admirable and colorful person.

Col Leon Gray was my Commander at Phoenix Air Defense Sector / 27th Air Division. I knew him well because I ran the aircraft scheduling section and stan/eval office. He loved flying and would come into my office and ask to get his "bird" ready for a cross country to Corvallis, OR. He was a great Commander and a mens' men. May he rest in peace!

Leon was our son in law. But being older than we, I told him that he was more a beloved older brother. He smiled big! We loved him! We miss him him greatly.

It was so wonderful to know Leon! I loved his sense of humor and his facinating stories. He not only made my sister very happy in their marriage, but showed us a wonderful and unique side of love. I am grateful for his service to our great nation. He was an honorable man who I will always remember with great admiration and respect. I'm so glad he was part of our family.

Sandy Leander

Rest Leon, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

A completed journey of a life fully lived. I met him a few times but have known him through Juli, who I`ve for half her life. The two had a great adventure.

He was one in a million. Leon led by example and was never shy about making his expectations known. A great leader, a fine friend, and someone who will always be remembered. David H. Kuebler, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret)

I knew Col Leon W. Gray at Portland Air Defense Sector(POADS), Adair Air Force Station, Oregon during 1960-1963. I vividly recall the lamb skin rug that he had in front of his desk, as I substituted for his secetary during her lunch breaks. On one such ocassion, I met Barry Goldwater when he was visiting Col Gray at POADS. My sincere condolences to his family for their loss. From my association, small as it was, it was obvious, that Col Gray was a gentle, considerate, and good man. My respect and memory of him has not waned over the years. Please know that he will be remembered with kind thoughts, as he, truly was, a great leader of men.

Roy L. Harbour, MSgt,(Air Force Retired-1975)

We would like to send our sympathy to Julie and Leon's family. We had the pleasure of knowing Leon in Princeville HI. He was a great friend to us and to our neighbor and friend Bernie Magnant. We will always hold him in our thoughts and prayers. Don and Marilyn Johnson- Lihue (Kauai) HI

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

As a young airman at Adair AFS, I knew him fairly well. He always had to be number one; the best and fastest pilot and the best commander. RIP

I knew Colonel Gray at Geiger Air Force Base. A terrific pilot, he loved the F-104.

I was a 2LT when I worked for Col Gray in Phoenix Air Defense Sector. He left an indelible mark on me and my career. Frank Tullis, Col USAF Ret.

Never have so many owed so much to so few.
Leon was what makes America so great.

God Bless him