Ellis "Skip" Earl Gray Jr.

Ellis “Skip” Earl Gray Jr. was born March 2, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri to Ellis Earl Sr. and Joyce Betty (Parrett) Gray. He grew up in Viburnum and graduated with the class of 1973 from Viburnum High School. After graduation, Skip started his working career with AMAX and furthered his education with tech classes. Skip retired from Doe Run as an Electrical Instrumentation Technician after many dedicated years. Skip was known as a honest, dependable, hard worker and took great pride in caring for his family. Skip was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Regina “Gina” Marie Cooper, February 5, 1994 in Viburnum, Missouri and together shared twenty-seven years of memories. Skip and Gina were blessed to share four children: Melanie, Gabe, Drew, and Jarid. Gina described him as "the kindest man I ever met." Skip was an avid outdoorsman and loved a good game of golf. He enjoyed traveling and camping, and was the family photographer. Skip was a handyman extraordinaire, he had a knack for being able to fix anything and make it better. He enjoyed computer repair and tinkering with any and all electronics. Skip was compassionate and would help anyone who asked no matter the need, he was known in the neighborhood as “Mr. Fix It”. Skip departed this life January 8, 2022 in Potosi, Missouri at the age of sixty-seven years. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, loving wife Gina Gray of Viburnum, MO; children: Melanie Maize and husband Shawn of Lesterville, MO, Gabe Gray and wife Robyn of Oates, MO, Drew LaChance of Farmington, MO, and Jarid LaChance and wife Andrea of Farmington, MO; grandchildren: Collyer, Talyah, Rhylan, Cameron, Reese, Tyson, Mason, Ariel, Tuff, Colten, Beckett, and Bryce; two sisters: Sandy and Nancy; step-mother: Betty Gray; extended family and dear friends. Preceding him in death, parents: Ellis and Joyce Gray. Skip was a kind, caring and loving man who always put family first. He had a deep love and devotion for his family, he valued spending time and making memories with them. Skip will be remembered for his big smile and contagious laugh. He leaves behind a great legacy and will be forever missed. Celebration of Life for Ellis “Skip” Earl Gray Jr. was held Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Viburnum Country Club with Pastor Greg Freeman and Pastor Denny Mathes officiating. Memories were shared by his loving family and dear friends. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Viburnum, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Skip to the Viburnum Cemetery Fund and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Ellis "Skip" Earl Gray Jr.

March 2, 1954 - January 8, 2022