Obituary: Gray, Stanley Prichard
Age 68
He was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on December 14th, 1946 to Prichard and Lyndell Gray.
He enjoyed an adventurous childhood alongside his three siblings as they lived in many places around the globe.
Stan graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970 and then served seven years as a Captain and Casualty Assistance Officer in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War.
This brought him to Spokane in 1974, where he later met his loving wife, Sheila.
They were married at Covenant United Methodist in 1984, and enjoyed several years traveling and golfing before welcoming their two children into this world.
Stan’s competitive spirit and love of animals played out in his early years as he bred, raised and raced thoroughbred horses.
He worked in security sales and investment relations for many years, but enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and friends.
He loved his children fiercely and dedicated his life to them, acting as their protector, encourager, and #1 fan.
He was witty, ornery, competitive, playful and lived his life with courage and enthusiasm.
Stan enjoyed camping, golfing, swimming, storytelling and playing poker, but most of all, he was passionate about sharing his lake cabin and boating trips with special friends and family.
The cornerstone of his life was his church family at Covenant United Methodist where he lived out his faith.
Everyone around Stan was touched by his amazing spirit of graceful perseverance and zest for life in the face of a 16-year battle with cancer.
He won the battle as he now rests in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Stan’s mother, father, stepfather, and stepmother preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years Sheila; his son Joshua Gray; daughter Taylor Gray; brothers Jim Gray and Ray Chappelle; sister Cathy Packwood; and numerous brothers/sisters in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will be held at Covenant United Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Drive, Spokane, WA 99208, on Friday, January 16th at 2pm.