Herbert P. Gray, 90, of Westbrook, formerly of South Portland, passed away on June 8, 2022, at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Herb was born in Hallowell, Maine, to Leslie and Belinda (Penn) Gray on January 20, 1932.
Herb attended schools in Hallowell, playing multiple sports for Hallowell High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine, Orono. During college he was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and enjoyed his yearly Homecoming visits with his Brothers. He successfully completed R.O.T.C. Camp in Fort Bliss Texas in July 1953. This R.O.T.C. Program helped fund his college education. After college, Herb completed his military requirements and was honorably discharged from the United States Army as a 1st Lt in 1962. He was self-employed for many years as a civil engineer, completing several major projects in Southern Maine.
Herb married his beloved wife, Jacqueline Leavitt, on August 1, 1964, in Portland. Together they raised two children. Once retired, Herb and his wife enjoyed going on cruises and travelling to Aruba and Florida with family and friends to escape the harsh Maine winters.
Herb loved spending quality time with his family and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, earn their college degrees and pursue their desired interests.
Herb was an avid New England sport fan, cheering on the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics. He seldom missed watching a game and frequently gave advice on how each Team could improve upon their season. Herb also had a passion for the game of golf and was a proud member of Purpoodock Club, Sable Oaks Country Club and most recently, Riverside Golf Course. His love of golf led him to travel to play some great golf courses including Harbor Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, SC. His greatest golf achievement was his Hole in One on the 167-yard 9th hole at Purpoodock Club. There was nothing Herb enjoyed more than playing competitive golf in tournaments with his son, son-in-law and grandsons.
Herb's other interests included: reading, talking politics, playing cards, singing in the church choir, bowling, skiing, playing ping pong and shooting pool. Herb was a kind-hearted and generous man who loved spending time with family and friends. Herb loved socializing and always looked forward to attending family reunions, fraternity reunions and high school reunions. A hard worker with a wonderful heart, everyone who knew Herb knew he was a 'one-of-the-kind' person and felt very fortunate to know him. His family will miss him dearly.
Herb is preceded in death by his son, Donald H. Gray; two brothers, Irving and Norman Gray; and parents, Leslie and Belinda Gray.
Herb is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jacqueline L. Gray; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Sean Rutherford and grandsons, Matthew and Nathan Rutherford.
A service will be held, at a later date, at Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation, 5134 Bonham Road, P.O. Box 6277 Oxford, Ohio 45056.
Herb's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his longtime doctor, John Reynolds, M.D. as well as the doctors and nurses at Maine Medical Center. The care and compassion these medical professionals showed Herb, and his family, was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.