Richard E Gray

Richard Eric Gray Sr. was born to Pauline Gray and Richard “Bill” Hall of Kansas City, Missouri on November 2, 1950. Raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Addie Gray, on 24th and Chestnut, he attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High, and Lincoln High School.

After graduating high school, Richard was drafted into the army at the age of 18 and served our country in the Vietnam War as a Sergeant 1st Class. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his sacrifice and bravery.

Richard worked hard his entire life. Considered a jack-of all trades, he dabbled in remodeling, rehabbing, and plumbing, but his ultimate line of work was as an HVAC specialist. As a master of his trade, he apprenticed young people to pass his knowledge and skills on to future generations.

As a generous and loyal person, he was quick to lend a helping hand or the shirt off his back, and he never met a stranger. Whether it was the dead of winter, or flaming heat of summer, if you had furnace issues or needed your air conditioner fixed, he was your guy. If you needed something, you could bet Richard would find it, and there was no use in offering to pay for it.

Richard was a loving and forgiving person. Even if someone crossed him one day, he would not turn his back on them the next day. His greatest love, besides the Kansas City Chiefs, was his family. When he was not working, his time was occupied with watching daytime TV with his brothers, visiting his sisters at their jobs, or helping his nieces and nephews however he could. As his pride and joy, he loved to spoil his grandchildren. Holidays, impromptu visits and hang outs at his house were filled with Nerf wars with his grandsons, arguments over technology with his granddaughters, trying out the latest electronic device or toy, watching cop shows or staying up for late scary movie marathons. On game days, he could be found dressed head-to-toe in Chiefs attire, and although the team was a source of constant joy and frustration for him, we know he is resting well with the outcome of the last Superbowl.

Beyond time for family, his favorite pastime was heading up to “the shop,” where he mixed work and hanging with “the fellas,” sharing news, stories, politics, and food. Whether at work, home, or in the community, Richard will forever be remembered for the kindness and love he shared with everyone he met.

Richard is going home to join his parents, grandma Addie, and brother, Kenneth Gray. He leaves behind his 3 children, Kim (and husband, Curtis) of Blue Springs, Richard (and wife, Darcie) of Raymore, and Shakeena (and husband, Dean) of Kansas City; 9 grandchildren, Candice (and husband, Austin), Kamryn, Caleb, Kevin, Demetrius, Olivia, Erika, Maxwell, and Daedric; 2 sisters, Edwina and Anita (and husband, Percy); 2 brothers Carl (and wife, Kathy) and Paul (and wife, Mary); a host of nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

Due to the COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines. Temperature checks will be enforced.