H. Tom Dr. Gray
November 8, 1919 ~ March 18, 2008
Gray, Dr. H. Tom, 88, retired dermatologist, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Service 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 21, Plymouth Congregational Church. Dr. Gray was born November 8, 1919 in Little Rock, AR to Thelma and Henry C. Gray. He grew up in Forrest City, AR. He earned his undergraduate degree from LSU. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock Medical School, he interned at St. Anthonys in Oklahoma City and served his residency in Dermatology at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He met Johanna M. Janke while she was in nursing school. They were married in Chicago in 1945. He served as a captain in the Army during WWII. Dr. Gray and Johanna moved to Wichita in 1954, where he began his practice in Dermatology at the Wichita Clinic. Dr. Gray was the first Medical Director of the Wichita Clinic and retired in 1983. He was active in the Plymouth Congregational Church, and the Wichita Audubon Society. Dr. Gray was a Mason and a Shriner. As an environmentalist ahead of his time, he was elected to the Wichita Park Board. Dr. Gray was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Preceded in death by his parents and wife, Johanna. Survivors: daughters, Gail and husband, Clint Tracy of Toronto, KS and Janet Barnett of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Kelly and husband, Bill Gilhaus, Jack T. Smith, Jami Barnett and Amber Barnett; great-grandchild, McKenna Gilhaus. Memorials have been established with Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton, Wichita, KS, 67208, the Wichita Audubon Society, P.O. Box 47607, Wichita, KS, 67210 and the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67220. Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com
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To the Family of Dr. Gray – You don’t know me, but, I first met Dr. Gray when I was only 3 years old. Now, as a woman in my early 50’s, I remember him as a kind and compassionate soul. Dr. Gray has always stuck in my mind over the years as I would think back to my earliest childhood memories. I remember his kind smile and gentle, assuring ways. The last time that I visited his office at the Wichita Clinic as a young adult, I saw the same smile and even a twinkle in his eye that I am sure came with years and years of dedication. He was so well thought of in the medical community. Seeing his smile in the picture in the paper gave me one last warm reflection of years gone by. Your family should feel very blessed to have first hand witnessed the ‘job well done’ by your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you face the prospect of the short term seperation from this wonderful man….but, please know it is just that…short term. We will all join together in the presence of our Father for the long term, we love to call eternity. May God Bless you all at this time and always, Judy Dudley Andover, KS
I remember Tom Gray as a close friend of our family as we grew up in Wichita. Quite often Tom would stop by our house and give my dad a ride to work at the Wichita Clinic where they were both dermatologists. He was always interested in us kids and we could tell he really cared. I know that my dad thought the world of Tom and depended on him as a colleague at the Clinic. I feel very fortunate that I was able to visit Tom at Georgetown when I was in Wichita last September. He was a wonderful guy and I will always remember his gentle smile and kind, caring manner. I would like to extend my condolences and best wishes to his family.
To Tom’s Family, We were so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing and send our deepest sympathy to all of you.Tom was such a special person. The friendship, support, guidance and compassion from Tom was valued and always appreciated. He was a true gentleman and a great leader. Tom left a big imprint on so many. certainly on us.
We are among the many members of Plymouth Congregational Church who loved and deeply respected Tom. In so many ways he was the kind of Christian that all of us should aspire to be. His kindness, compassion, and humility made him a widely admired member of our congregation even when he could no longer attend church activities. We are all very fortunate to have known a man like Tom and to have been honored with his friendship.
Dr. Tom to most, “the Pop” to family, was very kind and very driven. He was kind and humble to all people He retired after signing the contracts to build Wichita Clinic. His vision was that it would be connected by tunnel to Wesley Hospital, accompanied after his death. Appointed by the Mayor to the Park Board he spearheaded the construction of the Wichita Botanical Gardens which is regarded very highly nationally by its rivals. We played the south course at Crestview CC many times together always feeling humble grandeur in his presence. Once while playing in a group, he teed his golf ball up on a pink tee and looked at the ole guys and said, “ That’s titty pink, keep the story straight”. A King amongst men, love and miss you Pop!