Willard D. Gray,  88, of Sumner, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind.  Cremation rites accorded.

Mr. Gray was born November 22, 1923, in Preston Township, Richland County, Ill., the son of J.P. and Ethel (Wachtel) Gray. He married Mary A. Hanaka on January 29, 1949, in Camden, N.J.

He enjoyed various vocations, including automotive businessman, farmer, investor and author. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Italy during World War II.

Mr. Gray is survived by his wife, Mary A. Gray, and two sons, William Stephen Gray, of Velpen, Ind., and Gordon Thomas Gray, of Staunton, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.P. and Ethel (Wachtel) Gray, and a daughter, Mary Catherine Gray.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)