Roger L. Gray, 77, of Rockford died on December 29, 2012 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. "As Roger's wife, I have the privilege to write the obituary for my husband. It is easy to give you the basic information of his life, but I cannot begin to tell you what this man has brought to the lives of his family. He prayed with us, laughed with us, cried with us and always supported us completely. We teased him, embarrassed him and loved him deeply." Born on January 13, 1935 in Freeport, son of George Gerald and Jessie Marie (Hornbogen) Gray. Graduate of Freeport High School class of 1953. United in Marriage on August 21, 1954 to Marlene Anne Sleep at the First Congregational Church, Brodhead, WI. Obtained his Associate of Applied Technology from Freeport Community College in 1965, and Associate Degree in Fine Arts, from Rock Valley College in 2008. He also studied watercolor technique at The American Academy of Arts, Chicago. Formerly employed at Micro Switch in Freeport. Owner of Shostrom Signs since 1975. Retired from Williams Manny Company where he was a Benefits Consultant. Member of First Evangelical Free Church. Roger enjoyed life, teaching watercolor classes at Rock Valley College, painting (watercolor and oils), sailing, reading, playing tennis and golf, learning the art of fly fishing, cheering on the Bears, and was happiest surrounded by his family. He was active in the Rockford Noon Lions, serving as the past president, zone chair, regional chair and a Melvin Jones Scholar. He was involved in the Boy Scouts, serving as a Life Scout and Scout Master, the Illinois Sign Association, as a board member and the Christians Business Men's Committee, where he was a board member and past chair. He served as a 10-year-Chef with '100 Men Who Cook' fundraiser for the Rockford Literacy Council. Survived by his wife, Marlene; children Craig (Helen) Gray of Rockford, Candyce (Mike Takamori) Gray of Bloomington, Cynthia Gray of Kingston, WA; grandchildren, Andrew (Danielle), Sean, Taylor Gray; great grandchild, Chloe Gray. Preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher Gray; and brothers, Robert and Frederick. Memorial Visitation on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. at First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 North Mulford Rd. Rockford. A special thank you to the physicians and nursing staff at OSF St. Anthony's 4-East for their outstanding care and comfort provided the last couple of weeks of his life. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services served our family, and we are grateful for their compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Center for Sight and Hearing
P.O. Box 5944 Rockford, IL 61125-0944. To share a memory or condolence online, visit www.graceFH.com .