Wilbur (Willie) Warren Gray, 81 of Black Hawk, SD died December 18, 2008.  He was born Nov. 11, 1927 at the Gray Family home in Pierre, SD to Catherine Mae Sheridan and Clyde Clayton Gray. He attended public school in Ft. Pierre, SD.  He attended agricultural school at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.   He had fond memories of time spent with his brother Orlo working the combine crews from Texas to Canada and back in his early adulthood.  At one time he entered a partnership with a close friend, Jewel (Bowser) Eldridge in half ownership of his own combine.  He later served the Army in Korea, attaining the rank of Corporal and being awarded the Korean Service Medal for Bravery with 4 Bronze Stars. This was awarded for his participation in many combat operations in Korea.  In addition, he also received 2 Over-Seas Bars.  He was extremely proud of the time he served his country; however, he seldom spoke of the hardships he endured.  He continued serving by being a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.  He received his final Korean War medal personally from Senator Tim Johnson in 2001.  He worked construction after the war including driving an earth moving machine in the construction of the Oahe Dam outside Pierre, SD.  He also helped build the Minute Man Missile Silos outside Ellsworth AFB.  March 20, 1959 he married Josephine Anne Duncan Ortez in Ft. Pierre, SD.  Four children were born of this union.  On June 16, 1981 he married Antje Flanders in Rapid City, SD.
He drove a transport truck for Mobil Oil Co., Cenex, and finally, Dean's Trucking until he retired.  He was an accomplished mechanic.  He had a generous heart, sharing gifts and his talents with family and friends, as well as strangers in need.  One snowy winter night, a stranded mother and her small children received the gift of sharing that came from the heart of 'Willie'.  Something went wrong and the engine exploded causing severe burns to the face, arms and upper torso of his body.  He carried the physical scars for the rest of his life.  His smile was altered but not his giving heart.  His true passion was the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God.  His favorite book of the Bible was Roman's and his favorite topic – God's grace.    Wilbur was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Rapid City, SD having been baptized as a youth.  He taught Sunday School, was a former Elder and member of the DCEA (Dakota Christian Evangelizing Association).   During his later years he attended Black Hawk Community Church in Black Hawk, SD
Survivors include his widow, Antje of Black Hawk, SD, one son, Gary Wayne Gray and wife Bonnie of Simla, CO; three daughters: Linda Marie Platt and husband Bill of Nevada, MO; Holly Jean Meyer and husband Chris of Wichita, KS; and Karin Anne Burnes and husband Bob of Canby, OR. Nine grandchildren: Andrew Thomas Platt and wife Annie of Washington, DC; Tabitha Michelle Platt of Cincinnati, OH; Jennifer Julia Miller and husband David of St. Louis, MO; Caleb Wilbur Gray, Zachary Virgil Gray, Jesse Paul Gray, Aaron Michael Gray of Simla, CO; Gary Matthew Burnes and Keith Adam Burnes of Camby, OR; and two great-grandchildren: Elena Natalie Miller and Ronan Tai Miller of St. Louis, MO.  Willie is also survived by his extended family: children Patrick Flanders and his wife Colleen and their daughter Madeleine of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; David Flanders and wife Vicki, of Deadwood, SD; Becci J. Rowe of Black Hawk, SD; and Greg S. Rowe of Golden, CO; and their children Makayla Anne Mitzel and husband Joshua of Fairbanks, Alaska; Aryn Michelle Rowe and Jason Mitchell Rowe of Black Hawk, SD.
Three sisters, Phyllis Mae Herd of Wichita Falls, TX, Linda Peckron,  of Tualaton, OR, and Shirley Lea Coull and Husband Dennis of Black Hawk, SD as  well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Orlo Orvis Gray, Jimmie Clyde Gray, Verne Lyle Gray, and Willis Wayne Gray, and two sisters, Josephine Elaine (Jo) Medley and Edith Gray.

Services will be held in Wilbur's honor at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Officiating services will be Willie's son and Minister, Gary W. Gray.  Colors will be presented by the Ft. Meade Honor Guard. A celebration of Willie's life will be held in the future for all who wish to attend.

Friends may sign Willie's online guest book at blackhillsfuneralhome.com