Thomas Richard Gray, 76, of Columbia, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 31, 2016. 

      Visitation will be held at First Christian Church on Thursday, April 7, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the church.  A private burial will occur on Saturday, April 9, 2016.

     Tom was born October 21, 1939 in Joplin, Missouri to Howard Otis and Laura Mae Clark Gray.  He enjoyed growing up in a small town and was especially proud of earning his Eagle Scout badge at age 13.

     He graduated from University of Missouri in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.   He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  He met his wife of 54 years, Susan Stalcup Gray, at the University.  Upon graduation, he accepted a job in the University business office, where he worked for 11 years before taking the reins as general manager at KOMU-TV – a position he held for 27 years.

     Tom had a strong commitment to serving his community through numerous leadership roles, including an Elder at First Christian Church, United Way President, Charter Board Member of Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), President of Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, President of Missouri Broadcasters Association and board memberships with Crimestoppers, Children’s Hospital, American Red Cross, Governor’s Council of Library and Information Services and Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation.  In addition, his local business contributions included board membership for Boone National Savings and Loan and Hawthorn Bank.

     Tom received many recognitions during his professional career and for his volunteer work, including the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Co-Citizen of the Year Award which he shared with his spouse, Susan, Missouri Broadcasters Association Distinguished Broadcaster Award and the Missouri School of Journalism Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism.

     Family was the top priority for Tom, but he also found time for fishing, hunting, playing billiards with good friends at Booches, morel mushroom hunting, completing crossword puzzles, daily call-ins to win Quickie Quiz and playing card games.

     Tom is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Genny Watkins (Jack); daughter, Courtney Gaunt (Matt);  three grandchildren, Emily, Frank and Steve Gaunt; sister,  Patty Miller(Don); brother, William Gray (Shirley) and numerous nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Kate Watkins.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Christian Church, 101 N. 10th Street, Columbia, MO 65201, in Tom’s name. 

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