Roger Earl Gray

1937 - 2025

Roger Earl Gray

July 2, 1937 - September 21, 2025

Modesto, California - Roger Gray, a man of deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, peacefully passed to his heavenly address in the presence of our Savior on September 21, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Janice, sons: Alan and Rick, daughters-in-law: Claudine and Sara, grandchildren: Abby and Weston, brother: Ed, and sisters: Diane and Suzanne. He is preceded in passing by his son: Jon, and his parents: Ed and Marian.

Born at Modesto City Hospital July 2nd, 1937, Roger was a Modesto man his entire life. He spent his childhood playing in the Maze Court neighborhood, attending Franklin Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School, Modesto High School, and Modesto Junior College. Having spent his life in Modesto, Roger met his wife, Janice when they were quite young and married upon his completion of college at Fresno State. At his time, he also volunteered and spent four years serving in the Air Force Reserves, while beginning his career with International Harvester. They spent their life together in Modesto, where he was the president of Stanislaus Implement and Hardware Company for 52 years, 25 of those years with his son Rick, before retiring in 2011.

Focused on his business and serving the local farm community, Roger and Janice built their life on a foundation of their faith. Roger served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church and was always very clear about his relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was often heard asking others if they were confident in knowing that they would spend eternity in heaven upon their death. Based upon their response, he would either enjoy a conversation celebrating the grace of our salvation or discussing how they can be assured by accepting Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Roger was also known for his love of baseball, which started at a young age. He often shared stories of the sandlot games he enjoyed playing, always as a team captain picking the teams. At Modesto High, he was a standout pitcher and he took this on to Fresno State University where he excelled on the field while earning his bachelor's degree in business administration. In the summers, he played semi-professional ball in the Western Canada League on the Regina Braves in order to finish college before going pro. Having been recruited by the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates, he planned to play for the Sox but, after graduation, he injured his shoulder as he started his career which led him to join International Harvester instead.

Roger will always be remembered as a mountain of a man, with a firm handshake, commanding presence, and love for his family, God, and country.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel, 419 Scenic Drive, Modesto, CA 95350. Funeral services will be Monday, September 29th, 2025, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Rd, Modesto, CA 95350 at 11:00 a.m.