Bernard Gray, formerly of Elkville
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Bernard Gray passed away Feb. 21, 2017, at home at the age of 88. <br /> He was born Sept. 22, 1928, in Elkville to Wiley Augustus "Gus" and Emma Gray. After graduating from Elkville High School in 1946, he joined the Army Air Corps and transitioned to the United States Air Force. He retired after 20 years with the rank of senior master sergeant. His Air Force assignments took him to Maryland, Washington, D.C., Omaha, Neb., Riverside, Calif., Sumter, S.C., St Johns, Newfoundland, and Madrid, Spain. His family accompanied him on all of the assignments.<br /> He met Donna Lee Noblitt, the love of his life, in Washington, D.C., and they were married in the chapel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Oct. 21, 1949. They enjoyed 63 years of married life. They had three children born to the union, Diane L. Lennert, Steven G. Gray, and Becky Lee Gray, who preceded Bernard and Donna in death.<br /> Bernard was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved camping with his family in their motor home. He was a member of Karl Ross Post 16, American Legion. He was a 32nd degree member of Stockton Scottish Rite Bodies, Past Master of Delta Masonic Lodge No. 471 F&AM, and a member of San Joaquin Masonic Lodge No. 19 F&AM. In Delta Lodge he served several years as officer coach and conducted Masonic funerals for deceased brethren. He was also a member of California Masonic Foundation and served as chairman of the scholarship committee.<br /> Bernard with his wife Donna Lee were strong supporters and season ticket holders of UOP Athletics, particularly women's softball, volleyball and basketball.<br /> Bernard is survived by daughter Diane Lennert (John) and son Steven Gray (Pam), all of Manteca, Calif.; grandchildren John Lennert Jr., Jennifer Lennert, James Lennert, Julia Lennert and Taylor Gray; step-grandson Kevin Simon; and great-granddaughters Valerie Lynn Solis and Violet Lee Solis, also of Manteca, Calif.<br /> Bernard was preceded in death by wife Donna Lee; daughter Becky Lee; his parents, Wiley and Emma Gray; brother Gene Gray; and sister Muriel Walden.<br /> MThe military funeral service was held Feb. 28, 2017, at Cherokee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of the University of the Pacific Athletic Programs mentioned, the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.</span></span>