Ralph A. Gray Sr.

ORLAND - Ralph A. Gray Sr, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Orland, on February 21, 2026. He was born in Orland on January 18, 1935, the son of Beulah (Conary) and Manley Gray.

Ralph loved to be outside, whether working, tinkering on equipment in his garage, or enjoying the great outdoors hunting and fishing. A man that preferred to stay close to home but with a little persuading did make it to Alaska on a fishing trip and to Canada hunting. He was always there for a friend or member of his community in need. Ralph also gave back to the community as a member of the Orland Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years. He also served as the Town of Orland's Constable for many years.

Ralph retired after 25 years of service from the Department of Transportation. At the same time, he operated his own small business doing logging, small construction jobs, and plowing to help his neighbors all his life. For many years he enjoyed managing the Town of Orland's Alewives Weir in the spring of each year. He was known for smoking alewives and selling them to local stores.

He is survived by his loving partner and wife of nearly 60 years, Nancy (Holmes) Gray, his children Rose and husband Keith Gross, Susan Westfall, Thomas Pelkey, Ralph Gray Jr and wife Linda, Donna and husband Todd Jacobson, and Linda and husband Robert Howard; 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. One sister Leona Brown. He also had two very special young men (Matt & David) in his life that were basically family to him. In addition, to his parents, he was predeceased by daughters Pamela Atwood, and Terri-Jo Naihe, grandsons Thomas Jellison, and Chad Jacobson and siblings Carroll Gray, Virginia Gibson, Mildred Gibson, and Margaret Gray.

In keeping with Ralph's wishes there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)