Burdette L. Gray Obituary (1916 - 2017)

Burdette "Burr" Lee Gray, age 101, of Grand Rapids, formally of Cocoa Beach, FL, Syracuse, IN, and Muskegon, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 surrounded by many of his loved ones. The son of Charles & Margeret (Burket) he was born on May 26, 1916 in Merritt. Burr Gray was raised on a livestock ranch in northern Michigan. He learned about life from wise parents and loving siblings. He also realized that he didn't want to live in the country. He went to Michigan State University for a couple of years and then set out into the world, with a little nudge from his dad. He sold advertising as a teen. He worked at a construction company, a packing house, and drove a cab. Eventually, he found his way into the manufactured housing business after the War. This industry became his vocation for the remainder of his professional life. In 1991, he was inducted into the Manufactured Housing National Hall of Fame. He was a devoted family man. The loving husband of three wonderful wives, Bonnie, Andrea, and Joyce. He was passionate about travel, clothes, Michigan State "GO GREEN!", friends, family, and the church. He lived to make a positive impact on everyone's life he came across. Burr lived a full and fruitful life. He left nothing unsaid and nothing undone. His impact on those who knew him will last generations. "Focus 10% of your mind on the problem and 90% of your mind on the solution." He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Gray; first wife, Bonnie; second wife, Andrea; Surviving are his wife, Joyce; son of Bonnie, Ron Gray (Darlene); children of Andrea, Leslie (John) Hulley, Duke (Kathy) Gray, and Chuck (Sara) Gray; as well as grandchildren, Scott, Bonnie, Jennifer, Matthew, Katelyn, Emily, Daniel, Maggie, Mary. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Kentwood Christian Church, 5841 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood where memorial services will take place at 1:00 p.m. and a luncheon to follow the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.