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Roger Earl Gray
1937 - 2025
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Roger Gray Obituary
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.
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Memorial Events
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Memories and Condolences
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15 Entries
Paul Van Nes
Yesterday
My condolences to the Gray family. Roger was one who always said hello and was a friend to many.
God bless, Paul Van Nes
Ngobi Samuel
Yesterday
Dear Allan and Rick,
I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved father. Please accept my deepest condolences. May the Lord comfort you and your family with His peace, and may the beautiful memories of your father continue to live in your hearts. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow
As HOPES UGANDA family we will pray for and your family
May God be with you in this tough times
NGOBI SAMUEL
HOPES UGANDA Director
https://hopesuganda.ju.mp
Ngobi Samuel
Yesterday
Dear Allan and Rick,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May God give you strength, comfort, and peace as you go through this season of loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherrie Jones
Yesterday
I´ll never forget the day I turned in my application for employment at Stanislaus Implement with Brenda the office manager, and she told me I would be talking with the owner Roger Gray for an on the spot interview! I looked at him through the glass windows at his big desk, he was in the phone having a spirited conversation but at the same time loud laughs could be heard through the office. I was so nervous watching from outside. He was a huge man and I was so intimidated at 19 years old. When I walked into his office Brenda introduced me and his big warm smile and welcoming way sent all my fears out the door. I sat down and had a conversation with him and before I knew it, I was working at Stanislaus Implement! I spent 12 years at Stanislaus Implement and loved working there. Roger gave me so much confidence in myself over the years, he had a lot of faith in my abilities and entrusted me with so many responsibilities in the front and back office. My knowledge and drive grew under his belief in my work ethic and it shaped me into who I am today. I am grateful for his courage to trust in me. When my daughter was a toddler she loved to go see Roger in the office because he always had candy in his drawer for her! When she was older he offered her a summer job and was always encouraging young people to earn their way. I will always remember his big warm hugs and his infectious laughter echoing in the office. He was a kind man and he had a huge impact on many lives over the years. He will be missed. Rest in Heavenly Peace Roger.
Les Malakian
September 28, 2025
Dear Janice
Having had the privilege of being one of your pastors over the years I have fond memories of talking and praying with the two of you on more than one occasion. You both have been supportive of me in the pastoral role and for that I´m eternally grateful. I enjoyed discussing the Lord with Roger and our theological discussions were always stimulating. Enjoy your new heavenly home, Roger. You´ve been anticipating that for a long time and now you´ve arrived.
God bless you
Pastor Les Malakian
Michele Peterson
September 28, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the Gray Family!! Our love to all of you!!
Brad and Shelly Peterson
Al and Vera Girolami
September 28, 2025
Dear Janice, Rick and family. Vera and I offer our prayers and condolences for your loss. Roger was one of our favorite Modesto people. He was a pillar of the community. May he Rest in Peace.
Miriam Cover Notehelfer
September 27, 2025
I express my sympathies to the family. I am Miriam Cover Notehelfer and I am a daughter of Jesse Cover who was his grandmother´s brother. I knew Roger´s mom and dad and brother Ed. It´s a wonderful obituary sent to me by my sister Carmen Ernst. God bless you all.
Brenda Hall
September 27, 2025
I worked for and with Roger for 31 years . Roger WAS Stanislaus Implement & Hardware ! He loved everything about running his company especially talking to his customers . Roger was a people person always welcoming anyone who wanted to come in and sit and talk to him. He remembered so many customers phone numbers and the piece of equipment they had purchased and when they had purchased it ! He greeted me everyday with one of his "Roger Gray hugs". I enjoyed working with Roger all 31 years we worked well together. We had a mutual respect for one another and a common goal to provide good honest customer service to all of our customers . We were a Stanislaus Implement &Hardware family most of us have stayed in touch with each other and with Roger, that says a lot about this man . He will be missed and definitely remembered . The loss of Roger and Stanislaus Implement is the end of an era . There isn´t another Stanislaus Implement or Roger Gray . The Gray family has been a huge part of my life we have a lot of history, I love all of you . My thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you Brenda
Dick Hagerty
September 27, 2025
Roger was a friend for more years than I can count
A man of faith
An honest and successful businessman
And an all around good guy
Janice, we share your loss, but Heaven welcomes home a new and active member
Sheryl Sawyer Bracht
September 26, 2025
One of the many things I will miss most are the bear hugs I received from my Uncle Roger. You knew you had been hugged. He was such a warm, loving man with a wonderful sense of humor. We also shared a love for Jesus. See you on the other side, dear Roger.
Sheryl Sawyer Bracht
September 26, 2025
One of the things I will miss most are my Uncle Roger´s bear hugs. He was such a warm, loving man who had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to share a laugh. Yes, he loved Jesus, something else that we shared. I will miss him dearly. See you on the other side, Uncle Roger!
John Weaver
September 26, 2025
Roger was a fine person both in business and social spheres. He will be missed and his legacy will carry on for many years. Bless his family and those around him. John Weaver.
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