Lawrence Gray

Obituary for
Lawrence Hill Gray

Lawrence (Larry) Hill Gray died at age 85 on Thursday, March 7 2019 from a complication related to Alzheimer’s, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born November 1, 1933 in Tucson, Arizona. After his parents died, he lived with his sister, Jean and her family, and graduated from Provo High School. Larry married Lois Jean Killpack June 13, 1953 in Provo, Utah and was later sealed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints St. George Temple.

Larry was a reserve Orem City Police officer for over 15 years and also drove the ambulance for Orem City. He got his start in the automotive supply business while working at Motor Mercantile in Provo, and then started and operated his own business as a Bowes Automotive distributor for 35 years.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, motorcycle riding and exploring with his Trackers and Kickers friends in St. George. Larry also enjoyed music. As a boy in Tucson, he sang in a boys’ choir, and later in Utah, sang weekly on a live radio program in a barbershop quartet, The Melody Kings. Larry played the piano, ukulele and banjo, but most of all he loved to play the organ. He built and flew radio controlled airplanes. His favorite church calling was cub master.

Larry was a prankster who loved to tease and joke around and was a friend to everyone. His fun personality and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

He has four children: LaJean Broberg (Roger), Diane Fairbanks (Jim-deceased), Annette Betenson (Kevin) Larry Dean Gray (Lori), 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Archie Ralph Gray and Dorothy Weston Niles, his siblings; John Clark Gray, Margery Kingston Wheelin and Dorothy Jean Clawson, and a son-in-law, Jim Fairbanks.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 8 pm at the Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N. University Ave. Provo Utah. Funeral will be Friday, March 15 at 11:00 am at the Nelson Family Mortuary with a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to services. (Complimentary valet parking if needed.)

We would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care and his senior companion Terry Christianson for their loving and tender service given to dad.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter or to the BYU Alzheimer’s Research Lab.