PALMYRA -- Robert Leroy Cray Sr., 80, died July 28, 2012, at the VA hospital in Togus after a long courageous battle with diabetes. He was born Oct. 18, 1931, a son of Myles and Fern (Richardson) Cray. He attended schools in Palmyra and Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. Robert was drafted into the Army in 1954. He worked at Fay-Scott in Dexter, Eastland Woolen Mill in Corinna and Walpole Woodworkers in Detroit for many years. He then cut wood from his own lot before retiring in 1985. He enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed going to Florida in the winter with his wife and cousins until he had to stop because of dialysis treatments. Robert was also a member of American Legion Post 132 in Richmond.
He is survived by two sons, Richard and wife Carol Cray, of Hartland, and Ronald Cray of Nassau, N.Y.; a daughter, Velma, and husband Carl Palmer Jr., of Palmyra; and a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Cray, of Ocala, Fla.; a brother, Kenneth, and wife MaryJane Cray, of Palmyra; a sister-in-law, Delores, and husband Robert Stevens, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; two brothers-in-law, Frederick, and wife Bonnie McLaughlin, of Mobile, Ala., and Lloyd McLaughlin of Winter Haven, Fla. Robert was blessed with 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Marion; a son, Robert Jr.; a brother, George Cray; and a daughter-in-law, Vicki Cray.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main St., Newport, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, with pastor Mark Stevens officiating. Burial will be in Palmyra Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
, 80 Elm St., Portland, ME 04101. Those who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
