John O. “Joe” Gray, Sr., 89, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 15, 1935, in Taylor Mines, Kentucky, the son of George and Clorine (Jones) Gray. He married Helen L. White on January 17, 1953 in Whiting, Indiana, and they enjoyed seventy-two years of marriage.
Joe will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family above all else. Joe understood the value of hard work from an early age. At just 15 years old, he began working in the steel mills—a strong testament to his determination and work ethic. In his younger years, he also raced motorcycles professionally for Harley-Davidson, a passion he pursued until an accident in 1960 brought his racing career to an end.
Joe had a lifelong love for horses and spent many years announcing horse shows across Illinois and Indiana. He was a proud and active member of the Mount Carmel Saddle Club, where he found great joy in being part of the equestrian community.
Joe’s spiritual faith was a guiding force in his life. A baptized Christian, he found great comfort in reading the Bible and often shared that the most important message Jesus gave was to love one another. He found joy in the simple things—planting sunflower seeds and watching them bloom, caring for his vehicles with pride, and spending time with his beloved dog, Chi-Chi. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him.
Joe leaves behind his beloved wife, Helen; son, Jody Gray and wife, Cheryl of Bellmont; daughter, Jennifer Gray of Evansville; grandchildren, Jacqi (Matt) Garnett, Jason Gray, Jessica Gray; great-grandchildren, Ella Scarber, William Scarber and Waylon Garnett; great-great grandchild, Elias Moten; sister, Linda (Ed) Vaverick; and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Maurice, Chester and Ralph Gray; one sister, Sue York.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday, June 9, 2025 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor David Shain officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Joe’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Gray family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
