Michael James Gray

Michael James Gray of Mechanicsburg left this earth on 16 October 2024. He departed as he lived, quietly, passing in the night at home. Mike was born on June 9, 1958, to Dick and Mary Lou Gray. 

Mike was a kind and gentle soul. Mike graduated in 1975 from Mechanicsburg Area High School and Shippensburg University in 1979. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1982. Mike trained as a computer operator serving in Kansas City, Iwakuni Japan, and El Toro California. Sergeant Gray was honorably discharged and proudly wore a Marine Corps hat around town for the next 36 years. He worked at Carlisle Hospital before beginning his 25-year information technology career with Highmark Blue Cross. 

Mike spent much of his life serving others. He started as a junior firefighter with the Citizens Fire Company and went on to train as an EMT. He made late-night emergency responder runs while most slept soundly. Mike worked side-by-side with his dad for years at firehouse fund raisers. He was steadily at his mother’s side caring for her as she battled cancer. Years later when his dad suffered from Parkinson’s, he moved back into the family home to care for him. For the last few years, he served with the Cumberland County Veterans Honor Guard, enjoying the camaraderie and privilege of honoring fellow veterans. 

Mike is survived by his brother, John and wife Margie of Chambersburg, niece Allison of Lititz and nephew Patrick and family of Alexandria, VA.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the St. Paul's United Church of Christ Church, 626 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 with Rev. John J. Ward-Diorio officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services and burial will take place in Mechanicsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cumberland County Office of Veterans Affairs & Services, Attn; Honor Guard, 20 N Hanover St Suite 103, Carlisle, PA 17013. Visit HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.