Obituary of Timothy Michael Gray

GRAY, Timothy Michael of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Monday, April 28, 2014 at Covenant Healthcare - Cooper with his family by his side. He was 67 years old. Timothy M. Gray was born on July 1, 1946 in Saginaw to the late Richard I. and Luella V. (Clay) Gray. Tim graduated from Ss. Peter & Paul High School in 1966 where he participated on the basketball, football and track teams. He attended Mott Community College and received his Associates Degree in Fire Science. Tim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. While serving, he married the love of his life, Cheryl L. French, on January 20, 1968 at St. Helen Catholic Church in Saginaw. She survives him. Tim was employed by the City of Saginaw Fire Department where he rose through the ranks before retiring as the Fire Department Chief in 1999. He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic minister. He was also a member of Maple Hill Golf Course. Tim loved all sports, and in warmer weather he could be found enjoying a game of golf or sailing on his "Sail Boats". Tim bowled two 300 games during his lifetime and held a lifetime pass at one of the bowling alleys in Canton, Ohio. Following retirement, Tim enjoyed traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren. Surviving besides his wife of 46 years, Cheryl, are his daughter, Kari (Randy) Keith of Saginaw; three grandchildren: Jacob Gray, Elliott and Alexander Keith; mother-in-law, Shirley French; and brother, Neil (Kathy) Gray of Middletown, OH. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael P. Gray; and brother, Richard F. Gray. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2014 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Roselawn Memorial Garden. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Saginaw Fire Department will conduct a walk through and service honoring Timothy at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday lead by Chaplain William Howard. Timothy will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Youth Haven Ranch. Please share your thoughts and memories at the church, funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com