Errol Gray Obituary (1928 - 2008)

AUGUSTA - Errol B. 'Bud' Gray, 79, of Augusta, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at his home. He was born in New Vineyard on Dec. 15, 1928, the son of Roy Gray and Blanche (Lisherness) Piper. He was a graduate of Farmington High School, class of 1946. After high school, he served as a corpsman in the Navy for two years. He then returned home and received his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Maine at Farmington, formerly known as Farmington State Teachers College. He later received his master's degree in education from the same institution. Mr. Gray spent the entire 32 years of his career in education, working for the Augusta school system. He first taught at the former Williams and Buker schools and then served as a teaching principal at the former Webster School. Bud then served as a principal for the next 26 years at the various elementary schools in Augusta, including the former Smith School, Lincoln School and finally Farrington and Hussey schools before his retirement in 1984. Bud was an avid lover of nature. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. After his retirement, he spent many summers on his boat, fishing on Rangeley Lake with his wife. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Mr. Gray was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lee Gray of Farmington. He is survived by his loving wife, Esther (Kelley) Gray; two daughters, Kathryn Atty and her husband, Stephen, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, and Diane Snell and her husband, Gary, of Dresden; three grandchildren, Rick Tatarcyk and Jennifer Tatarcyk of Waterville and Matthew Snell of Dresden; a half-sister, Sharon Dumas of Augusta; two half-brothers, Michael Gray of Farmingdale and John Gray of Chelsea. Per Bud's request, there will be no public visiting hours and a private funeral service for his family will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in Bud's memory may donate to the American Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com