J. "Mike" Michael Gray

J. Michael “Mike” Gray, 82, of Roanoke passed away at his residence on January 29, 2024.

A native of Virginia he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Lois Farmer Gray; his mother, Mary Thompson Sawyer; his grandparents, Simon and Helen Thompson; and his son’s partner, Brooke Nicole Ferguson. Mike was a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad after 38 years. Mike was of the Christian faith. He never met a stranger and was known for being generous and fair. He enjoyed playing poker, golfing, and “wheeling and dealing”. Mike was a wonderful Pops and dearly loved his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Alison Gray Cronk and husband Mark; son, Michael Gray; seven grandchildren, Jackson Gray, Sam Cronk (Julie Walker), Mason Gray, Ryane Cronk (Jacob Hodges), Emme Gray (Brice Morrison), Sawyer Gray, and Mackenzie Ferguson; his granddogs, Jack and Beamer; and many dear and special friends.

The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 10:00 until 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow in the Chapel of Lotz Funeral Home at 11:00 am with Pastor Josh Cokendolpher officiating. Burial will be in Sherwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Roanoke Rescue Mission or Angels of Assisi.