Albert Babcock Gray

Albert B. Gray, 89, of Columbia, husband of Arlene (Martin) Gray, died Monday May 20, 2013. He was born in 1923 in Plainfield, CT the son of the late Frank and Myrtie (Griffiths) Gray. A 1941 graduate of Plainfield High School, he served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) during World War II and in 1951 graduated from University of Connecticut with a B.S. Degree in agriculture. At retirement in 1979, he was Tolland County 4-H Club agent with the Cooperative Extension Service of UConn. Mr. Gray had been very active in his home town of Columbia serving on various committees, commissions and societies. He also had been very involved with Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust where he had been a member of the Board of Directors. Having a great interest in New England history, he was a member of several historical societies and museums. As a proud World War II Navy veteran, he served as chairman of numerous Seabees reunions. Mr. Gray also was a member of Connecticut Woodcarvers Assoc., the New England Woodcarvers Assoc. and National Woodcarvers Assoc. In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by 3 sisters, Margaret Reed of MA, Lena Barry and her husband Philip of Storrs and Myrna Whaples of VT; and many nieces and nephews. His family will receive relatives and friends on Friday May 24, 2013 between 5:00 and 7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. The funeral service will take place on Saturday May 25th at 10:30am at the funeral home with interment following in Center Cemetery, Columbia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Beckish Senior Center, 188 Rte. 66, Columbia, CT. 06237. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .