"Rick is my cousin and a kindred spirit. We shared the same hobbies and both enjoyed our solitude more than most. My cousin was kind and considerate and he was one of the few people I would call when I was upset with someone. He knew how to calm me because he could always relate. Not since my teenage years have I talked to someone over the phone as long or as often as I did with Rick:-) I enjoyed every conversation and can remember every story. I love you Ricky and I will miss you terribly but I will see you again, one day!"
In loving memory of
Rick J. Gray
October 12, 1958 - September 3, 2021
RICK J. GRAY
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Rick J. Gray, 62, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021, at Select Specialty Hospital - Davenport.
The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. Online Condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com
Rick was born on October 12, 1958, in Muscatine, son of Lester and Phyllis Schenk Gray.
He worked as a computer tracker and traveled the world for his work.
Rick liked electronics and tinkering with computers. He loved his van and having it detailed. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed playing his guitars and playing cards with his friends. Rick especially enjoyed his nieces and nephews and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his siblings, Lynne McCrabb and husband, Steve, of Manchester, Kandis Haller of Virginia, Mike Hall and wife, Brenda, of Muscatine; one uncle, Bob Gray of Texas; and lots of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rick is preceded in death by his father, Lester Gray; mother, Phyllis Walker; siblings, Teresa Hall, Dennis Hall, and Denny Gray; and his stepfather, Dean Walker.
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Tributes
"Rick the San Antonio Gray's are gonna miss you very much, Melanie and I have loved our long conversations over the years hearing of all of your adventures around the world. I am so happy that the next generation of Gray Boys were able to meet and spend time with you when we stayed at your place a few years back. We will think of you often and cherish our memories with you in our hearts forever. May the lord bless you with peace my friend. Until we meet again, I love you my cousin."
"I will miss you so much Rick. I so enjoyed our long conversations when I brought you frosted Christmas cookies over the past 20+years. I will always think of you for the rest of my life whenever I make them. It was an honor and pleasure to have known you for the many years I was fortunate enough to call you a friend. Rest in peace - free from pain at last! Sharon Langel"
"I am Rickey's Uncle Bob in Texas, but I grew up in a home on the Mississippi River in Hampton. Rickey experienced many exciting and memorable adventures around the world prior to his injury. We reminisced all of them together many times during hour long phone conversations. I returned home 30-40 times over the years and always spent time with my nephew, and I stayed with him several times during my visits and saw first hand how he lived so independently enjoying his lovely basement with his 3 big screen TV's, library of history books, and playing his guitars. I often told him that he should write a book on the life of Rickey as I'm sure it would have been an enjoyable and exciting read by many. He was very fortunate having had many close childhood friends who were always there for him to lend a helping hand when needed, and especially his caring sister Lynne and her wonderful husband Steve. He will be greatly missed bombing around Muscatine in his beautiful van. He lived life to the fullest during his time here and I'm sure he is welcomed with love and in peace in the afterlife."
"I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I just spoke with him several months ago. He was a kind soul. Thoughts and prayers to the family. He will be missed....."
"Lynne, Mike and family..sorry to learn of Rick?s passing. May he Rest In Peace."
"Lynne and family. I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult tine. R.I.P. Rick"
"To all of Rick's family, So very sorry to see this...I just spoke to Rick a few months ago at HyVee in Muscatine...I have good memories of playing table tennis with Rick in high school...You all please know you are in my thoughts and take care during this sad sad time...RIP My Friend"
"So sorry to learn about Rick's passing. I have many fond memories of Rick, especially from our Central Jr. High days. I'm sure he has already found the track field in heaven and is working on his high jump. Holding you all in my heart and wishing you peace and many fond memories of Rick in the months to come. Rest In Peace Rick! Susan Richmond Abbott"