Jerald "Jerry" Gray

Jerald “Jerry” Gray, 79, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 28, 2025.

Jerry was born on July 23, 1946, to Marie Prewitt and W. Leo Gray in Wichita, Kansas. Jerry was an only child. He excelled in band, track and field, football, baseball and basketball. One of his greatest sports achievements and fondest memories was winning the 1964 State high school basketball tournament with his teammates who continue to be lifelong friends, at Goddard High School. Following high school, Jerry accepted a scholarship to play both baseball and basketball at Washburn University. While at Washburn, he became a lifelong die-hard Ichabod’s fan. He completed his time at Washburn with a business degree then moved to grad school at Texas Tech University getting his MBA.

After grad school, Jerry moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico where he met and married the love of his life Velda Fresquez on May 13, 1978. They began their life together and soon the two became three with the birth of their daughter, Heather. Soon after, their little family moved to Wichita, where they later had their second child, Brian. Jerry was a very involved father, coaching Brian in baseball and basketball, while also offering support and encouragement to Heather as she developed her skills at Wichita Children’s Theater. He cherished many trips with his family back to New Mexico, where they visited friends and extended family creating lasting memories – like the Christmas family stories he loved to write. Family and faith were cornerstones of Jerry’s life. He dedicated countless hours serving his church, St. Thomas Aquinas, where he took great joy in his role as head usher, connecting with and welcoming many parishioners. After retirement Jerry continued serving others by mentoring students through the Pando Initiative, volunteering at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry and The Great Plains Nature Center, and as a member of the board of the United Way of the Plains and other local boards.

Jerry dedicated 27 years to J.P. Weigand and Sons, beginning in 1987 as an office specialist and retiring in 2014 as Vice President and General Manager of the Commercial Division. Throughout his career, Jerry was actively involved in several professional associations, including the Wichita Area Association of Realtors, where he served as President. In 2011, he was honored as Realtor of the Year by the Kansas Association of Realtors, a testament to his dedication and leadership in the field.

Jerry was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his family, from driving Trenton to practices and cheering him on at every game to supporting his school activities. Jerry’s passions extended beyond family—he had a deep love for sports, music, the arts, and helping others. But above all, his family came first. He was immensely proud of his children and grandson and adored his wife of 47 years with all his heart. His extended family, in-laws, and close friends were equally important to him, and he treasured the relationships they shared. Whether it was bonding with the “dinner group,” talking trash to his brother-in-law about the Dallas Cowboys, or enjoying a simple conversation, Jerry’s warmth and sense of humor were always at the center of it. His generosity, willingness to help others, and genuine kindness made him a man loved and respected by everyone who knew him.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Leo of Wichita, KS.

He is survived by his wife, Velda; his daughter, Heather Nelson (Ray); his son, Brian; and his grandson, Trenton Nelson.

Rosary will be at 6:30 pm, Thursday, August 7, 2025; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Friday, August 8, 2025, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a memorial donation to the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29^th St. N., Wichita, KS 67220; or Our Daily Bread Food Pantry c/o Catholic Charities, 437 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.