Roger L. Gray

Roger L. Gray obituary, Colp, IL

Roger L. Gray

Roger Gray Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home on Jan. 12, 2026.
Colp

Roger L. Gray, 72, of Colp, and formerly of Eldorado, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Private graveside services were held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville, with the Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Military rites were conducted by the Army Honors Ritual Team and Carterville American Legion Post and Herrin VFW and American Legion Post.

Roger was born on April 5, 1953, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Richard and Ester (Chancey) Gray. He was married to Vickie Jackson and together they had son, Sam Gray. Roger later married Lillian A. Rowatt on January 6, 2022, in Harrisburg.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian Gray; sons, Sam (Rachelle) Gray; y; step-son, Greg Rowatt; grandsons, Tommy Lynn and Tony (Bailey) Gray; great-grandson, Oliver; chosen daughter, Desirea (Joey) Stevens; chosen grandchildren, Weston, Harley, and Brooklyn; chosen great-grandson, Jude; brother, Ezra Gray; sisters-in-law, Vicci Helm and Liz (Mike) Bird; several nieces and nephews; his beloved cats, Lyla, Little Bit, Iris, Spooky, Mama Kitty; plus many additional close friends and extended family.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents.

He honorably served our country in the United States Army.

Roger was an over-the-road truck driver for Shawnee Express plus other trucking companies over the years.

He was an animal lover. Roger enjoyed fishing- particularly catfishing, hunter in his younger days, loved being outdoors, "logging".

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger L. Gray, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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