MARLBOROUGH – Stephen W. Gray, 67, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 20, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.
Steve met his beautiful wife, Carol, thirty-five years ago while living on Nantucket, a place they would forever hold dear. They met, married, and raised four of their children there. Steve ran his electrical business on the island for many years. He felt close to the Lord on Nantucket, often riding his Jeep up to Alter Rock to spend time in prayer surrounded by God’s beautiful creation. Steve and Carol made deep, lasting friendships at First Baptist Church (Summer Street Church).
Steve was a man’s man, and a coffee shop regular. He loved frequenting diners where he sipped coffee and enjoyed breakfast sandwiches. More importantly, though, were the relationships he formed while sitting there quietly, shoulder to shoulder listening well to the hearts of his friends and strangers. His presence brought comfort to those around him. When he did speak, he shared truth and wisdom. Many were greatly impacted by Steve’s heart for people, especially his family for whom he would do anything.
Steve spent his final hours at home in the room he built with his own hands. Above the mantle hangs the “By His Grace” sign he had made as a reminder that all of life is a gift by the grace of God. It is in this home that Steve and Carol raised five children. In recent years Steve spent his days in his workshop crafting The Gray Lady’s furniture, basking in the sun on the porch, sipping wine by the fire pit, enjoying time with his children and grandchildren and loving his wife. He was affectionately called “Papa Duck” by his grandchildren for whom he entertained as he made duck sounds.
Steve knew life was a gift, but he knew that greater things were to come and he looked forward to the day when he would go home to be with Jesus.
On June 20, 2020 at 1:40 in the afternoon, that day came. Steve breathed his last breath, a deep sigh that ushered him into the gates of heaven. His beautiful wife, his children and their spouses along with his beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law looked on as a single tear of joy slid down his cheek as he was released from this world and passed into eternity.
Steve’s last hours at home were precious ones. They will be forever etched into the hearts of his family who sat by his side singing hymns, hugging, crying and celebrating a life that gently, but deeply impacted so many people. Steve Gray was a gentleman, and a gentle man, a man who was selfless, humble, kind and who loved his family well. He will be fiercely missed. Life will never be the same, but the hope that goes beyond this world is what overcomes the sorrow and brings joy to our hearts.
He leaves his wife of 35 years, Carol (Hapenney) Gray; five children: Jill Suzanne Wambolt, Stephen Michael Gray, Ryan Wayne Gray, Jordan David Gray, and Olivia Faith Gray; six grandchildren (and two more on the way!): Gray P. Wambolt, Trey D. Wambolt, Suzanna C. Wambolt, Henrietta B. Wambolt, Emery B. Gray, and Cooper B. Gray; two brothers, Bradford D. Gray and Glenn A. Gray; and many nieces and nephews. Steve was born in Boston, son of (the late) Bradford H. and (thriving) Beryl L. (Pieterse) Gray.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 27th at 11:00 am at Summer Street church on Nantucket. A mainland service is to be determined at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gray family on the go fund me link: https://gf.me/u/x9p3yd