Harry Grover 'Bucky" Gray, Jr.

Harry Grover “Bucky” Gray, Jr., age 92, formerly of Bloomsburg, died at 7:58 p. m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at the Nazareth Memory Center, Danville.

Harry and his late wife, Joyce, raised their family in Bloomsburg and then lived at Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community for the past 14 years.

Born in Bloomsburg on April 2, 1927, he was the son of the late Harry Grover, Sr., and Emma Irene (Yount) Gray. He dropped out of high school to enlist in the U. S. Navy where he served on the Albemarle during World War II. Following his military service, he returned to Bloomsburg High School and graduated with the Class of 1948. He received his undergraduate degree from the former Bloomsburg State Teachers College and his Masters of Education degree and Principal’s certificate from Bucknell University.

Harry grew up in Bloomsburg, playing football with his buddies, working at Streater’s farm, Magee Carpet Co. and J. L. Dillon Flowers. Eventually he owned and operated a greenhouse business along with his wife Joyce, growing chrysanthemums and snapdragons. He enjoyed the Bloomsburg Fair, acquiring side jobs as a teenager and was eventually a member of the Bloomsburg Fair board for several years.

He was a member of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Bloomsburg, where he served on various committees. He often spoke to his children about times when he recognized God guiding and intervening in his life, health and safety.

Harry devoted 38 years of his life as an educator and teacher advocate in the Bloomsburg School District. He started as a 6th grade teacher at the Memorial Elementary School before becoming the principal there. He finished his career as a 4th grade teacher at the W. W. Evans Elementary School.

Harry thoroughly enjoyed doing home repairs and tinkering around to find ‘better’ ways to do a task. Working on school projects with his children, Denise and Ron, was a time of creativity and quality time together. He loved helping family, friends and new acquaintances alike. Harry enjoyed fishing and spending time with others in his fishing boat of the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers. Each summer he took his family camping in Tionesta, PA. He was an avid walker, including loops around downtown, the Bloomsburg Park, and most recently around the Maria Joseph Community. He enjoyed most things, especially chocolate, candy, cake and ice cream.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Joyce E. Ash, on October 11, 2018; by daughter Denise McHenry; a sister, Catherine Parr; and a brother George Gray.

Surviving are his son, Ronald H. Gray, and his wife Dawn, Wayne, PA; a granddaughter, Jolene, wife of Wes Norton; a grandson, Kris McKeown, and his wife Kayla; two great grandchildren: Emma and Eden; a sister, Beverly Parr, Bloomsburg; a brother, James Gray, wife Donna, Florida; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Sat. at 11:00 a. m. in Good Shepherd United Methodist Church 101 E. Fifth St., Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Rev. Audrey M. Brosious officiating. Interment will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Berwick VFW Honor Guard.

Friends may visit with the family from 10-11 a. m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 101 E. Fifth St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.