Read Douglas Lyle Gray (SW) USN Ret.'s Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Douglas Lyle Gray (SW) USN Ret.

Palm Coast, FL

November 5, 1945 - March 24, 2023

Nov 5, 1945 - Mar 24, 2023

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Douglas Gray, age 77, passed away on March 24, 2023 at his home in Palm Coast, Florida . His biggest joys in life were his family, being a sailor out to sea on a ship, riding his Gold Wing motorcycle, Duke Basketball and Notre Dame Football. He was an avid reader, reading over 1,000 books in roughly the last 14 years just for the pure enjoyment of life. He was always happy and never failed to squeeze a funny joke in. A Christian man who always believed that God was in control of his life. A Righteous, Kind and Loving man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Survived By.

Sandra Montgomery Gray (Wife; Married 36 Years)

Virginia Marie Brady and Husband Justin (Daughter)

Richard Douglas Gray and wife Teri (Son), Douglas Richard Gray (Son), Davis Tanner Gray (Son), Daniel Parker Gray (Son)

James Gray and Wife Suzette (Brother; Lancaster, SC), Richard Gray and Wife Denise (Brother; Virginia Beach, VA), Peter Gray and wife Christie (Brother; Bayville, NJ)

Susan Horvath and Husband Willy (Sister; Ocala, FL)

Douglas was born on November 5, 1945, in Newark, New Jersey to Vern and Verna Gray. He attended Middle Town High School and Graduated in the class of of 1963. While attending Middle Town Douglas also was a part of the Baseball team where they clinched the Shore Conference Class A baseball championship. Douglas held two AA Degrees. One from St. Johns Community College in Business and one from Mohegan Community College in Science.

Douglas was also the owner of SD Sports in Orange Park for 10 years where he always took care of his customers who later became good friends. During his time running the sporting goods store he also found time to sponsor a Women's World Softball championship team, where he also coached (1997 ISA WOMENS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP).

Douglas Joined the United States Navy in 1964, Serving on active duty for 22 years. He was always an advocate for his sailors, regardless of the assignment onboard ship, ashore, or in the hostile environment of war. Originally designated a Boatswain's Mate, Doug was authorized a change in rating from Boatswain's Mate First Class to Navy Counselor First Class, where he served with distinction on numerous ships and shore installations, acceding to the rank Master Chief Navy Counselor in just under 14 years of service. During his final assignment with the staff of the Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, he worked tirelessly to implement programs to increase the retention of quality personnel. As the Senior Enlisted assistant for retention of personnel, he was responsible for advising the Commander of the success of efforts and for recommending actions to improve results. NCCM(SW) Douglas Gray retired from active Naval service on December 31, 1986. A list of the medals and awards follows:

• Navy Achievement Medal x 3

• Navy "E" Ribbon x 3

• Good Conduct Medal x 3

• Navy Expeditionary Medal

• National Defense Service Medal

• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal x 4

• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon x 3

• Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation

• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Ships Douglas was Stationed on;

• USS Shangri-la (CVA-38)