Merrill M. Gray, 76, Swayzee, went to be with his Lord at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Alexandria on March 7, 1942, to Ross Otto and Mabel A. (Tomlinson) Gray.
Merrill was a graduate of Marion High School and retired from Chrysler in Kokomo, where he was a machine operator. He also worked at Jackson’s Dairy Farm in Marion and at Saturn Manufacturing Corp. in Hurst, Texas.
Being outdoors was second nature for Merrill. He enjoyed working in the yard, tending to his roses, and farming. Often times, he would be found listening to country and gospel music. Most of all, Merrill loved his family and cherished time spent with them and his friends. His dogs, Paco and Rufus, were often by his side.
He will be missed by his son, Joseph “Marty” (Cathy) Gray, Abilene, Texas; daughters, Julie Gray, Indianapolis, and Tia Gibson, Swayzee; grandchildren, Amanda Gray, Abilene, Texas, Taylor (Will) Claxton, Abilene, Texas, and Joseph Gibson, Swayzee; and great-granddaughter, Keely Jo Claxton, Abilene, Texas.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Hubert and Wendell Gray; sisters, Lois Skinner and Louise Gray; and special friend, Juanita Stephens.
The family will receive visitors from 10 to 11 a.m. with Merrill’s funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Burial will follow at Vinson Memorial Park in Summitville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.