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Gardner Gray Obituary
Gardner Bradlee Gray
WHITEWOOD | Gardner Bradlee Gray's earthly guitar strings stilled on November 30th in the company of his family. Aged 79 years, he was the last of his immediate family's generation. Uncle Gardy served as family patriarch; sharing music, unconditional love, and advice with all who knew him. Most recently of Whitewood, SD, he called Pringle, SD home for many years.
As a Navy Aviator, Gardner flew 99 missions of photo reconnaissance over Viet Nam from the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. After Viet Nam he flew commercially with Trans World Airlines for many years and taught aviation at a college in New Hampshire.
He and his wife Lynn have lived in the Black Hills for 27 years. They had a fun adventure of 5 years when they opened Vintage Cowboy in Hill City, a retail store offering old west clothing, hats, and spurs. Music was very much a part of Gardner's life and he could be found in various venues around the southern Black Hills playing his guitars and singing. Other interests were horses, dogs, and baseball. As a youngster, Gardner's Little League team played in the Little League World Series. By far, his family and friends were his very first loves.
While he mellowed considerably in the last few years, wherever he is, rest assured he is tormenting those of higher authority with a whole host of loudly voiced questions designed to stand up against blind authority and champion the needs of those who cannot speak for themselves. Chances are, he has already begun organizing conscientious resistance in the afterlife.
We are comforted in the knowledge that his love and memory still reside in the hearts of his wife; Lynn Gray, and his children; Heather Ten Broek (Greg), Shane Valandra and children: Bradlee, Lauren, and Alexis, and Joshua Gray (Carrie) and children: Elizabeth and Katherine, along with countless extended family members and friends. Please join us in keeping that love and memory strong.
If you would like to do something in his memory, vaccinate yourself and get your booster shot in the fight against Covid. Or donate to the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance in Gardner's name. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2022.
Memories and Condolences
for Gardner Gray
Steve S.
February 6, 2026
A loss for our country.
I was fortunate to be a college student of his for four years, where he challenged me, and pushed me to not only learn, but be a better person. I fondly remember, as if it were yesterday, a one-on-one teaching session where we verbally sparred like boxers over aviation topics. While the kids at a private elite flying college can be obnoxious, idiotic, and arrogant... he treated all of us as his equal. A true gentleman.
I remember him pausing in class, whenever the WW2 P-51 Mustang taxied past the classroom in the tower building. Other instructors would have chastised us students to ignore it. Gardner just simply watched it pass and enjoyed the moment with us.
I remember his surprise, during my public speaking assignment, when I brought in .50 caliber and 30mm shells, similar to the thousands that were shot at him in Vietnam. He only saw them as "flaming orange tennis balls" from the cockpit, as they streaked past his jet. Seeing the size of these projectiles, and realizing the damage they might have done, was the only time I saw him at a loss for words.
For those not familiar, he flew RF-8 jets in the photo-reconnaissance role. Flying alone, well behind the attacking aircraft, over a target that had just been bombed, with enemy defenses alerted and determined to shoot him down, he had to fly a predictable course for accurate photographs, unable to take even minor evasive action. I imagine the amount of anti-aircraft shells and surface-to-air missiles shot at him was tremendous. His aircraft typically carried no weapons. He could not defend himself from these threats, nor from Migs that often snuck up on lone aircraft. Imagine being ordered to do that mission, knowing what would happen to you if shot down and captured. Now imagine having to do that 98 more times. This man was made of steel. And he never talked about it. We students had to pry this information out of him.
I graduated around the time he was recalled to the airlines and we both left D.W.C. And during the 40 years that have since passed, I have never met anyone with a such an intense passion and laser focus on his mission, of teaching and challenging his students.
Many people "talk the talk", and a few can "walk the walk". Gardner Gray RAN.
I regret not telling him in person the impact he had on me. I will plant a tree in his memory and affix a plaque with his name.
Kimberly Hills Porter
November 27, 2024
I´m a little late here, but just want to say what an incredibly positive influence Gardner and Lynn were on my life. I will never forget their kindness to this obnoxious teenager, and valuable and lasting lessons they taught me. Truly wonderful people. RIP
John William adair,
December 28, 2022
Garnder was a pre-flight classmate of mine and we played sports together in Pre-flight. I visited with him in Cubi Point during VN while I was on another carrier. I always enjoyed his company and sorry to hear of his passing. I live on a ranch in Oklahoma and will plant a tree in his name. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, 74014
Rick Hudson
December 22, 2021
Back in 1982, I was one of Gardner's Aviation Students at Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire. He was such a great teacher and human being ! I still think of him from time to time and am very sorry for your loss. He made a positive impact in my life and was someone I looked up to. I will continue to think of him with fond memories as he was truly one of a kind.
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Martin Meyer Family
December 15, 2021
Gardner(Gardy) was a truly beautiful person, and will always be loved and missed by our family. Love and Light to Lynn, and all of Gardners family and friends.
Roy & Mari Hendrickson
December 7, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones in prayer today and always.
Catherine G. Ratliff
December 7, 2021
My heart sank when I saw the obit. A world without Gardner Gray has a big hole in its fabric. Such a loss. My heart-energy and prayers go out to Lynn and the family.
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