Ronald H. Gray was born in Collinsville, IL on September 12, 1942 to Henry and Amelia Bratton Gray.  He spent his formative years in Collinsville and graduated from Collinsville High School in 1960.  Ron attended the University of Illinois- Champaign, Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville and McDonald's Hamburger University. He was a member, with his parents and siblings, of Wilkerson Chapel AME Church in Collinsville, IL.

Ron had many interests and accomplishments.  He was an Eagle Scout, he participated in track and cross -country, and he worked many part-time jobs, one of which was The MaryAnn Shop, all while he was in high school.  He was also involved in boxing and martial arts.  He had a great love of sports, especially Mizzou football and SIU-E basketball.  Ron participated in many civic organizations. To name a few, he was on the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities, the SIU-E board to select the new chancellor and the board for building the YMCA in Collinsville.  He was a SIU-E International host parent and he was a lifetime member of the NAACP.   After his family, his next love was McDonald's.

Ron started his professional career at Grant's Department Store as an assistant store manager.  His love affair with McDonald's began after he answered a newspaper ad for a manager trainee position in Peoria, IL.  He worked for the corporation for over 45 years.  At his passing, Ron was a very respected, and successful owner -operator of several McDonald's restaurants.  He mentored many employees and prided himself on helping others.

On June 4, 1977, he married the love of his life, Alice.  They blended their families and made a happy, life together.  He was a devoted husband, proud parent and he adored his grandchildren.

God called Ron home on Monday, May 28, 2018.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Amelia Bratton Gray; his brother, Henry Gray II; his sister and her husband, Marena (Alfred Leon) Johnson, his son in-law, DeMario Fenderson, Sr., his nephew, Lawrence Gray and his niece, Irsa Gray.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife and best friend, Alice. His children:  Rhonda (Walter) Mack, Vail, AZ; Alicia Renee (John Haugen) Reeves, Eden Prairie, MN; Brian Reeves, Raymore, MO; and Joy Gray, Edwardsville, IL.  His grandchildren: Raven Gray, Jaelon Reeves, Walter Mack Jr., Geneva Gray, Caitlin Mathis, Bryce Reeves, DeMario Fenderson, Jordan Fenderson and Andrea (Steve) Walsh.  His great-grandchildren: Terren Mack and Jayden Reeves.  His siblings: Ed (Cathy) Gray, Alton, IL; Darlene Gray, Homewood, IL and Edith Gray, Belleville, IL.  His former wife and Rhonda's mother, Cheryl Gray.  His Godchildren, Crista and Casey Thompson. Special student, Prasad (Mouni) Konda. His pet, Bailey Jo.

Ron is also survived by many nieces, nephews, close friends and his work family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, owner -operator and friend.

A memorial service will be held on June 5 at Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, IL. Father Osang Idagbo, C.M. officiating.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  The service will be at 1:00 pm.

Immediately following the memorial service, the family and friends will gather at the Leclaire Room, located at 600 Troy Road on the Lewis and Clark N. O. Nelson campus in downtown Edwardsville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities or the SIU-E Men's basketball program.