Obituary of Freeman Grover "Corky" Gray Jr.

Freeman Grover “Corky” Gray Jr., 74, of Winter Haven, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the devoted husband of Carol A. (Betit) Gray, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Freeman was born on August 28, 1948 in Pittsfield, MA, son of Freeman G. Gray Sr. and Betty L. (Allen) Gray. At age 19, Freeman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a combat engineer and served honorably in the Vietnam War with the 8th Engineer Battalion. Following his military service, Freeman settled in Newark, DE to raise a family of four children with his wife Carol. After a 40-year career in security work, Freeman retired to Chincoteague, VA, where he enjoyed a quiet way of life and kindled a love for golf. Later in retirement, Freeman relocated to Winter Haven, FL and became a staple in the community and a steadfast friend to every neighborhood dog.

In addition to his beloved wife, Freeman is survived by his children Sean Gray Sr. and his wife Renee of Dover, DE, Kristen Laning and her husband Christopher of Winston-Salem, NC, and Scott Gray and his wife Elizabeth of Palm Harbor, FL; his five grandchildren Sean Gray Jr., Kellan Gray, Logan Gray, Elaina Gray, and Quinn Gray; and his brother Daniel Gray and his wife Chong of Virginia Beach, VA.

Freeman was preceded in death by his father Freeman Gray Sr., his mother Betty Gray, and his son Eric Gray.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held in Freeman’s honor at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven, FL, with a private internment ceremony at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL on Monday, May 8, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.