Robert W. Gray

Robert W. Gray III Robert W. "Bob" Gray III, 63, of Eleanor, West Virginia, died peacefully on Sunday, August 8, 2010, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, West Virginia, following a short illness.

He was born on June 27, 1947, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Robert W. Gray II and Martha Bruce Gray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Hugh Gray.

He served in the United States Army Honor Guard from 1967 until 1969. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Biology and from West Virginia State College with a BA in Education. He spent many years in the family's floral business in Charlottesville, Virginia, served as a substitute teacher, primarily in middle schools, and was co-owner of Sam's Diner in Eleanor, West Virginia, for five years. He took pride in his ability to problem solve and was able to repair almost anything wrong with vehicles or household appliances and enjoyed teaching these skills to his daughter and nephews. He took great pride as well in advising and preparing his family and many others for the lessons of life.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Janice "Jan" McGuire of the home; his loving daughter, Jennifer "Jenn" Gray of Cross Lanes; one sister, Amanda Runion and her husband Bruce of Buffalo, West Virginia; dedicated nephews, Zeke Hampton of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Schuyler and Kyle Frazier of Buffalo, West Virginia; one brother, Bruce Gray of Charlottesville, Virginia, and his children, Carrie and Ben Gray of Virginia; mother-in-law, Gertrude McGuire of Martinsville, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Evans and her husband, Larry Evans, of Martinsville, Virginia; and his devoted dog, Zack.

In honor of Bob's wishes, his remains will be cremated.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010, at the Buffalo United Methodist Church in Buffalo, West Virginia. Visitation will occur one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Boulevard, West, Charleston, WV 25302, or to the Buffalo United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Buffalo, WV 25033.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hubbard Hospice House for their special care, his long-time physician, Dr. Arvind Viradia, and the staff at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the Gray family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com.

Raynes Funeral Home, 2117 Buffalo Road, Buffalo, West Virginia, is in charge of arrangements.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.