Elmer Gray

1932 - 2025

Elmer Edward Gray, 93 of Round Rock, Texas, formerly of Normal, Illinois passed away peacefully on Monday (October 20, 2025) at Double Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care in Round Rock, TX.

Born on January 9, 1932 to William and Mildred Gray in Bloomington, Illinois. Elmer is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Nancy Gray (2003).

Elmer was a very proud 1950 graduate from University High School. Elmer played tackle on the undefeated 1949 Corn Belt Conference Champions Pioneers football team. Along with his best friend Eugene Hunter which they both earned "U" letterman status.

In 1951, Uncle Sam was looking for few brave men to fight in the Korean War. Elmer joined the U.S. Army and went to 32nd Co. 30th Battalion Hawaiian Infantry Training Center Schofield Barracks, Hawaii Basic and Advanced Infantry Training 20 Apr to 4 Aug 1951 7th Signal Co., 7th Division (Forward) Chunchon, South Korea Sept 1951 to Nov 1951 Company "E", 31st R. Elmer served till coming home to Illinois in 1954.

His journey took him back to ISNU to study and he enjoyed his time as a clown in ISNU Gamma Phi Circus. Also at ISNU is where he met Nancy Elizabeth Klemit on a blind date. The rest was history. After a wedding on June11, 1955 they lived in Normal and the following year their son Michael was born.

Elmer dropped out of ISNU and started working at Sinclair Refining Co. as a truck driver to support his family. Elmer found his calling was to serve others when in 1960 he joined the McLean County Sheriff's Department. In May of 1967 he was promoted to rank of Captain under Sheriff Carl Slayback. He held this rank till 1970.

Once more the call to serve his community and was hired as Security and Truant Officer for Bloomington School District 87. From 1971 to 1983 was the time Elmer served till a change in the State of Illinois's truancy law changed and the position with the school district was closed.

After a few other short-term jobs, Elmer was ready to get back to serve his fellow veterans as a Veterans Service Officer for the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs. This would be his last call for service before retirement.

Elmer moved to his son and daughter-in-law's home in Austin, Texas in 2015. His past time was NASCAR racing and many visits to Las Vegas track with good friends Dick and Betty Brandt. Also, many wonderful NASCAR races in Phoenix, AZ. with his brother Robert L. Gray.

Elmer would like to send much love and blessings to his family Michael and Janel Gray (son/daughter in-law), Robert Lee Gray (brother), Gregg Mack (nephew), and his nieces Nancy Mack, Barbara Weiser, Bonnie Gatine, Becky Waisley.

Elmer had many friends in the Bloomington-Normal area. He would like to highlight two families that always there for support and love. Connie Brandt and Martha Hunter were his "family" for smiles, fun and help in all the years he lived in Illinois.

Celebration of Elmer's life will not be in one location but many. This Sunday, October 26 at high Noon, you need to bring a helium balloon and tie a short message to Elmer. At Noon, go to a park or backyard and release the balloon to the heavens and please sing Elmer's favorite song "When the Saints Come Marching In". This would definitely put a smile on Elmer's face. Thank you.

Finally, Elmer's favorite Bible verse and the words that he last spoke to his son which is from 1 John 4:8 "GOD IS LOVE"