6-23-2023 6:05am

John Gray was named Frito-Lay Mechanic of the Year in 1988

John Gray (1935-2023)

John Gray was born on August 17, 1935 in Rockton, IL, the son of Theodore and Julia (Batari) Gray. He attended Hononegah Community High School and graduated while in the service. He was a member of the United States Army, stationed in Germany.

John and Marjorie Tapp were married in the Old Stone Congregational Church in Rockton on February 1, 1958.

John passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Autumn Lake Health Care, Beloit, WI.

He was employed as an auto mechanic for two gas stations in Beloit, one on 4th Street and Grays DX on the corner of State St. and St. Paul’s where he was also the owner. He later became a diesel mechanic for RUAN in Rockford, IL, and Frito-Lay in Beloit, WI.

While at Frito-Lay, he became the first ever Mechanic of the Year in 1988. He retired in 1995.

John was raised on the family farm. He grew up loving all of the animals including calves and dogs, especially his favorite dog and best friend, Sheppie. He and Marjorie enjoyed camping, gambling and going on RV trips together. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.

John is predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, his parents, and son Todd Nevelle Gray.

Survivors include his children, Melanie Gray of Beloit, WI, Theodore “Teg” (Beth) Gray of Mt. Horeb, WI, and Tim (Andy Mleczko) Gray of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Emily and Amy Gray; sisters, Mary (Gene) Johnson and Veronica Hucker; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for John will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, with Pastor Brenda Whitford officiating.

Burial will take place at East Lawn Cemetery, 2200 Milwaukee Road, Beloit, WI.

A Visitation of Remembrance will be held from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. in the funeral home.