Ronald Joseph “Joe” Gray, 81, of Loogootee

Joe was born in Washington, IN on October 12, 1940 to Royce and Lillian (Fitzgerald) Gray. 

Joe was an over the road truck driver and worked for Jefferson Trucking out of Shoals, IN from 1971 until he retired on October 31, 2000. The American Trucking Association recognized him with a Safe Driving Award at 1 Million Safe Miles driven and again at 2 Million Safe Miles driven. He was a member of Teamsters Local Union 135 where he served as Union Steward and was active in negotiations, involved in elections and organized meetings. When he retired, Joe was granted an Honorary Lifetime Membership in Teamsters Local Union 135. He took a lot of pride in his work and affiliation with Teamsters. 

Joe wasn’t all work. He enjoyed hunting (mostly mushrooms), fishing, camping, grilling out on Sundays for his children and grandchildren and just about anything outdoors. He was a very handy man and could fix just about anything. He could often be found just tinkering around in his shop. He was a fun loving guy and a bit of a jokester. In recent years he lived at Ketcham Memorial Center in Odon, IN and he never lost his sense of humor. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Strawn) Gray, of whom he married on June 25, 1983; his parents; son, Kevin Gray; granddaughter, Delaney Semple; sisters, Pauline Fisher and Carol “Jane” Roach; brother, Paul “Sonny” Gray; step-son, Danny Daily; step- daughter Debbie Hedrick. 

Joe is survived by his son, Brian J. Gray of Indianapolis, IN; three daughters, Diane E. Semple of Bradenton, FL, Lori A. (Jeremy) Milner of Queen Creek, AZ, and Jennifer L. (Tim) Lowe of Linton, IN; sister, Sue Taylor of Washington; brother, Steve Gray of Washington; brother-in-law, John Roach of Washington; 13 Grandchildren, Chase Helms, Danielle (husband, Brad) Semple Hammer, Dacie (husband, Cris) Semple Broshears Romero, Logan (wife, Rachel) Gray, Taylor Carroll, Mitchell Cox, Olivia (husband, Addison) Carroll Wagler, Natacha Carroll, Madison Semple, Morgan Cox, Emma Semple, Jaylon Gray, Grace Carroll; step-grandchildren, Kayla Lowe, Tucker Lowe, Tori Lowe, Kaitlyn Milner, Jeremy Milner II, Gavin Milner, Kristie Hayden, Jimmy Honeycutt; and 17 Great-Grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 24th , 2022 at Blake & Wagler Funeral Home in Montgomery. 

 Visitation will be held Monday, January 24th , 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com.