Robert Z. Gray

Robert Zane Gray

Bob passed peacefully at home in the late afternoon of July 21st, 2025. He is joyful in being reunited with his wife Jane (Roth) after waiting patiently (mostly) since her passing in 2016. Bob is survived by daughter Kathy (Felix) Bere, son Mike (Susan) Gray, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was the youngest of four sons brought into the world by Ray and Garnett Gray. This was as rough and tumble as one would expect as they grew up in Fort Thomas. After high school Bob enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Korean War as a tail gunner in a B-29 Superfortress. After his discharge Bob never flew in another aircraft for the rest of his life. After marrying Jane there were many vocations to follow; mason, store owner including shopkeeper and bartender, mason (again), candy maker and golf course ranger. Gray's Delicatessen was well run for decades alongside Jane's parents Bill and Pauline Roth. The Deli also launched the famous peanut brittle that Bob learned to make from his dad. Thankfully this skill was passed to Kathy, and the recipe lives on successfully. Those who knew Bob well understood that he was passionate about a couple of things. His love for the University of Kentucky basketball team was unparalleled. Seeing children and grandchildren attend the university clearly made him happy as well. The lifelong passion was the game of golf. He competed as a junior in national events that included future PGA tour winners. As a local amateur he won numerous tournaments and club championships. Bob was a long-time member of St. Johns United Church of Christ, and any memorials are suggested to the church, St. John UCC, 415 Park Ave. Newport, Ky 41071. The services and burial will be at the convenience of the family. Many thanks to his amazing caregivers and to the staff and friends at Barleycorn's who gave him so much companionship.