Obituary of Wayman Gray

Wayman Denver Gray was born in Monroe, Michigan on October 19, 1939. He was the son of the late Henry Gray and Ora "Cecil" (McBee) Gray. Wayman grew up in the "Orchards" on the city's Eastside. He started boxing at the age of 13 under Joe Giarmo at the community center. He would go on to be an excellent boxer and was the 1960 Olympic alternate in the Featherweight Division. Wayman attended Monroe High School where he was a tennis standout graduating with the Class of 1958. He was drafted in the United States Army and served his country honorably in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Wayman worked in the construction industry for many years. He was a member of the Michigan Laborer's Union. For more than twenty years, Wayman made his home in Pinellas Park, Florida. He moved back to Michigan in 2007 to be closer to his family. Wayman attended the First Christian Baptist Church in Newport. He had a great heart, loved people, very friendly, and a great right punch. Wayman Denver Gray age 73 of Monroe passed away at 11:25pm, Monday, January 7, 2013 at Lake Park Comfort Care in Sylvania. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by two brothers: Thurman Gray an infant brother: Emory Gray; and an infant sister: Carol Ann Gray. To cherish his memory he leaves one daughter: Tracee Theriot of Boise, Idaho; one son: Jason Gray of Monroe; two sisters: Ina Violette and Shirley England both of Monroe; four nieces: Sandy (Randy) Pierce and Naoma (Tom) Lambrix both of Monroe, Sheila (Don) Underwood of Titusville, Florida, and Valerie (Frank) Gamwell of Woodland Hills, California; three nephews: James (Donna) Violette of Titusville, Florida, James (Theresa) Gray of California, and Gary Gray of San Bernadino, California; and one granddaughter. Friends may gather from 1:00-3:00pm, Friday, January 11, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 3:00pm under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138with Reverend Randy Pierce of Bible Fellowship Church and the Rev. Cliff Irvin of First Christian Baptist Church co-officiating. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery with graveside services Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to the wishes of the family. Online guests may leave condolences by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.