Harvey S. Gray

A Celebration of Life for Harvey Sidney Gray, 70, of Ada will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Reaper Baptist Church in Ada. Rev. R.G. McGee will officiate. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors during the memorial service.

Harvey Sidney Gray died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, December 29, 2018. He was born on July 18, 1948 in Ada. He and his siblings were raised in a loving Christian home by their parents, Edgar and Naomi Triplett Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Gray taught their children the importance of civic responsibility, self-sufficiency, and a strong work ethic. Mrs. Gray's parents, Tollie and Mother Luticia Wilson were also instrumental in the nurturing of the Gray children.

Harvey graduated from Byng High School in 1967. After a stint in the National Job Corps, Harvey enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968. While serving in the military he was able to continue his career training as a marine diesel mechanic. Following his discharge from military service, Harvey migrated to the Pacific Northwest. He was a diesel mechanic with TriMet for 21 years while living in Portland, OR.

After returning to Oklahoma, he was employed by several transportation companies prior to moving back to Ada. Harvey retired from Flex-n-Gate two weeks prior to his death following 21 years of service at the Ada facility.

Harvey and Ruthie Quarterman Watson were married on March 2, 1996. His love for Ruthie extended to the children and grandchildren they shared for 22 years. He was an ordained deacon at Reaper Baptist Church. By profession Deacon Gray was a skilled engine mechanic.  However, he was a jack of all trades and never met a task that he wouldn't tackle—especially to be of service to those in need. He loved God and he loved his family. He enjoyed sharing his wit and wisdom with his family, friends, and co-workers. Harvey was especially uplifted and strengthened by the brotherhood and friendship he shared with Lester Albert.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; two sisters: Clemmie Gray Williams and Ruth Gray Lewis and three brothers; Elder Tollie Gray, Rev. William E. "Bill" Gray, and Henry I. Gray.

He is survived by his wife, Ruthie of the home; three daughters: Nia Gray of Pittsburgh, PA, Tonya Quarterman of Midwest City, OK, and Sharon Quarterman of Ada; and one son, Robert Quarterman (Traci) of Ada. He is also survived by a brother, Elder Edgar Gray, Jr. (Gladine) of Shoreline, WA and two sisters: Eva Gray Gordon of San Francisco and Martha Gray Collins of Hayward, CA; sister-in-law Eva Bailey (Willie) of Tyler, TX and brothers-in-law: Rudolph Jacobs, Jr. (Barbara), Donald Jacobs, John Jacobs, Nathaniel Jacobs, and Samuel Quarterman. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.