Trot Insider has learned horseman Richard Steven Gray, Sr., 50, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Anderson, Indiana
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Born May 14, 1961 in Marion County, KY, he was an owner and trainer of standardbred horses.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Gray had trained the winners of $2,058,736. Over his lifetime, his stable included winners at many venues, including fair and pari-mutuel tracks in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Although he was known for his patience in developing trotters, his top money earning performer was the pacing mare EJs Copperstone p,2,1:53.2; 3,1:53; 4,1:52.3; 5,1:52.2 ($348,553). The daughter of Lease On Life was an Indiana Sires Stakes Champion at ages two and three. In the past few seasons, he had also campaigned the veteran trotter JSC Merit Raise 5,1:54.4 ($249,477), whose last start was a second-place finish in the Indiana Sires Stakes for aged trotters at Indiana Downs.
Though he generally shod the horses he trained, he was also a well-respected blacksmith within the industry. Many trainers would consult with Mr. Gray for corrective shoeing tips, with new records coming after his advice was followed.
He was also a woodworker and a former board member of the Indiana Standardbred Association. During his term as a director, Mr. Gray was considered one of the most approachable board members because of his good-natured disposition.
Mr. Gray was also a family man who loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their school functions and sporting events, as well as sharing holiday festivities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Sanders Gray, Sr. and Emma Jean Abell Gray, three siblings, Mary Sanders McCauley and infants Mary Ella Gray and James Archie Gray.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Russell Gray, two sons, Stevie Gray of Gravel Switch, KY and Brandon Gray, at home, one daughter, Emily Gray, at home, one grandson, Jamie Gray of Gravel Switch, KY, one brother, Jack Gray, Jr. (Martha) of Lebanon, KY, seven sisters, Cary Jean Bright (Gilbert) of Palm Beach, FL, Terry Ann Gootee (James) of Simpsonville, KY, Emma Jean Thompson (Stuart) of Louisville, KY, Teresa Jane Thompson (Pete), Pigeon Deep (Michael), Peggy Sue Grant (Daryl) all of Lebanon, KY, Karen Marie Caldwell (Danny Ray) of Finley, KY, one brother-in-law, Larry McCauley of Lebanon, KY.
Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, KY, followed by interment in Saint Augustine Cemetery, Lebanon, KY. Bro. Harold Gribbins will officiate.
Friends may call 4 p.m. till 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. till time of funeral on Sunday at Mattingly Funeral Home. Condolences may also be sent via the funeral home Web site at www.mattinglyfuneralhome.com.
Memorial Donations may go to his minor children c/o Richard Steven Gray, Sr., Memorial Fund, Citizens National Bank, 145 W. Main, Lebanon, KY 40033. The account is to be administered by Co-Executors: Teresa Thompson, Peggy Grant, and Pigeon Deep (sisters of R. Steven Gray, Sr.).
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Richard Steven Gray, Sr.