Tony Gray

September 7, 1934 - February 9, 2021

Tony Gray, 86, of Oskaloosa died Tuesday, February 09, 2021, at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born September 7, 1934, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Hubert and Margaret Smith Gray. Growing up Tony and his brothers sold eggs and produce all over Keokuk, Wapello, Powesheik, and Mahaska Counties. They would rush home from school daily and make their rounds to the local stores selling eggs. He graduated from Montezuma High School with the class of 1954. On July 12 of that same year, Tony enlisted in the United States Navy. His career in the Navy took him all over the world. He spent most of his time as a diesel mechanic on a submarine attached to the Pacific Fleet. On September 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to Bettie Dunsmoor. To this union four children were born Tony II, Teresa, Tammie, and Tanya. As Tony served all over the world, Bettie kept the family and home in order. On September 7, 1976, Tony accepted his honorable discharge after over 22 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy. Following his discharge, he worked for a time as a mechanic in California. Going to work at the same place every day was not really his style, so he took a job as an over the road truck driver. After nearly 22 years underwater in a submarine this was a perfect opportunity to see the dry side of the world. After moving back to Iowa, he went to work for Foodliner for a short time. He spent most of his time in the semi driving for Geetings in Pella. He loved traveling the country and had a mind like an atlas. The older he got the less he enjoyed the cold weather. This prompted him to buy a Class A motorhome and live in it full time. They would escape the winter in the southern states and then escape the heat of the southern states up north. Many trips they took in the RV had a historical relevance and they enjoyed researching and visiting those landmarks across the country. They did this for many years until finally settling in Oskaloosa. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, V.F.W., N.R.A, N.A.A.V., and the Good Sam Camping Club. He loved adventure and traveling. He also enjoyed collecting toy trains and hunting. He had an outstanding mechanical mind; he could diagnose and fix any problem and had a knack for doing electrical work. He was also a talented woodworker and enjoyed making projects for family and friends. His family includes his wife of over 64 years, Bettie Gray of Oskaloosa; four children, Tony Gray II of Oskaloosa, Teresa (Mark) Fiala of Oskaloosa, Tammie Gray of Winterset, and Tanya Gray of Boise, Idaho; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Don (Beverly) Gray of Montezuma; and many nieces, nephews, Navy buddies, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Fred Gray. A graveside service will be held Friday, February 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Reverend Mike Dotson officiating. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 beginning after 12:00 p.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening to greet relatives and guests.