Steve Gray

Clyde Steven Gray, 83, of Jacksonville, IL. passed away at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
He was born on Christmas Day 1940 at Norris Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois to Julius and Lavora (Smith) Gray.
He is survived by one daughter, Jenny Jackson (Kalib); granddaughter, Olivia of Pekin; Sisters, Lynda (Paul) Drake and Debbie (Mark) Belzer both of Jacksonville; and sister-in-law, Gloria Gray of Pittsford, NY.
Steve was particularly loved by his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Norman Gray of Pittsford, NY; and his beloved Uncle Clyde Smith.
After the death of Steve's father, in 1954, Steve's mother raised four children on her own, moving to Jacksonville from Alburquerque, NM to have the support of the larger family.
Steve graduated from Jacksonville High School, working jobs to be able to buy his car or motorcycles. For several years, he was close to his friends who were a part of the Ramblers, a car enthusiasts' group of young men. He worked for Clancy and Thompson Red and White grocery store.
During his station at Fort Huachuca, AZ and waiting for deployment to Vietnam, Steve suffered a life-threatening Jeep accident. His results from the accident kept him in the military and veterans' hospital for nearly 3 years. When he was able to come home, he suffered from physical problems the rest of his life. Steve was never a complainer; he always had a smile and lived with his mother and the several cats that he cherished. Steve was able to drive after the accident and taking people on Public Aid to their appointments was a good fit for him. He has a heart for the less privileged.
Steve answered the call to all solicitors that sent him letters or phone calls. Receiving dozens of calls a day and hundreds of pieces of mail, he was generous to a fault.
Steve's sisters want to thank the amazing care workers who became like family; Shirley Lynch, Shelley Ash, Jennifer Dawdy, Kelly Armstrong, Mykal White, Diane Hudson, Haydn and Myles Leonard, and the Parish visitors from Centenary United Methodist Church. A special thank you to the two best neighbors, John Elliott and Ann Ash, who always looked out for Steve and his mom. We are grateful for the wonderful staff at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and the residents who loved and cared for Steve the last 6 months of his life.
There will be a private graveside memorial held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be written to PAWS or Centenary United Methodist Church. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville will be assisting with the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.