Fredrick Leon Gray

Fredrick Leon Gray, 91, of Custer, South Dakota, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 29, 2026. He was born on March 26, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Fredrick Gray, Sr. and Hazel Elgin.

Fred accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on March 21, 1993, and was baptized on March 28, 1993. His faith became an important part of his life as he faithfully served his church by preaching, teaching Sunday School, participating in mission work, and helping build boys' campuses in Texas and South Dakota.

During his childhood, Fred and his siblings were placed at the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home in Knightstown, Indiana, when difficult family circumstances made it impossible for their mother to care for them. It was there that he attended school, discovered his love of music, and sang tenor in a barbershop quartet. He earned his GED at the age of 17 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952.

Fred proudly served his country for 21 years, retiring from the United States Air Force in 1973 as a Senior Master Sergeant with the Strategic Air Command's 33rd Communications Squadron. His military service remained one of the accomplishments of which he was most proud.

Following his military retirement, Fred began a second career as a Computer Systems Specialist in the banking industry. He continued working until his full retirement in 1987.

On August 20, 1993, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Schafstall Gray. Together they shared many happy years traveling the country in their RV with their beloved dogs, creating treasured memories and enjoying life's adventures together.

Fred embraced life with enthusiasm. He had a beautiful tenor voice and carried his love of music throughout adulthood, playing the saxophone in various bands. He loved dancing, traveling, RVing, fishing, boating, sailing, taking motorcycle rides, and buying cars. Friends and family often joked that he rarely waited to empty a tank of gas before trading for another vehicle. He never missed an opportunity to make people laugh, and he especially enjoyed bringing a smile to others with his quick wit, charm, and playful personality.

He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fredrick Gray, Sr.; his mother, Hazel Elgin Yates; his daughter, Marie Gray Bauer; his sister, Peggy Gray Morrison; and his stepsister, Wanda Davis Merchant.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beatrice Gray; his children, Kevin Gray (Debbie), Melodie Valentine (Mark), Monica Sanford, Gary Gray (Kathy), and Patrick Gray (Kathy); his stepchildren, Sandra Parsons, Marie Riepma (Don), and Marcia Busskohl; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Fred will be remembered for his love of God, his faithful service to his country, his adventurous spirit, his love of music, and the joy he found in making others smile. His life was one of perseverance—from a difficult childhood to honorable military service, to a life filled with faith, family, music, and adventure. His family finds comfort in the assurance that he is now at home with his Savior, where he has found perfect peace.