Jesse Scott Gray

Jesse Scott Gray, aged 90, died peacefully on February 25, 2024 at his farm in South Vienna, Ohio. He was born June 13, 1933 in Carrollton, GA to the late Jesse Dovard Gray and Mildred Opal (Moody) Gray. 

Scott's legacy is carried on through his children, Cheryl Thomas (Robert), Ann Marie Bishop (Mark), Douglas Gray (Rhonda), Alan Gray (Kelly), and Hannah Erin, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his sister Jackie Lane, and his wife of 40 years Marisa (Duffy) Gray. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Gray, and in-laws, Michael and Wilhelmina (Bennett) Duffy. 

Scott enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1953, in Chamblee, GA. He was honorably discharged on Nov 17, 1957, as a Captain and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He continued to serve our country as a Navigator in the Air National Guard until 1965. During these 12 years of service, Scott also completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech University (1959), grew his family to 4 children, began a career as Sales Manager with Cutler-Hammer, and started working towards his MBA. 

Continuing to learn and improve was paramount to Scott’s essence. He believed, from a seed planted by his parents, that education couldn’t be taken away. It is always a worthwhile endeavor to expand the mind and pursue your best. 

Scott, who didn’t retire until he was 75, contributed to companies such as; Southern Electric, Siemens-Allis, General Electric, and Niedex. Scott’s work ethic, tenacity and dedication set him apart in the field. He was known to “not take wooden nickels” and could inspire a room with his confident leadership style.

From the time of his birth to his death, Scott’s throughline was the earth and her green gifts. There wasn’t a patch of soil by which he couldn't find a purpose. 

In 1993, Scott and Marisa bought a 70 acre farm in Ohio, where they envisioned together an oasis to raise their daughter Hannah, that included many four legged creatures, plants, and space for those to dream. 

The visitation of Ohio’s snow filled winters was the only source of angst for our southern gentleman. Working with his hands to create gardens, establish forests, grow hay for the horses, maintain a fleet of machinery, and build assets on the property; was his joy. 

For the last decade of his life, Scott battled with the loss of cognitive functioning; dementia. His world came into sharper focus, and he celebrated the simple things such as warming himself in the sun, taking pleasure in the flavors of his meals, talking with the animals. He opened himself to being our safe place where we could share our secrets, hopes and even failures.

This transition was graciously supported by Audrey Hall; LPN, and the team at Community Mercy Hospice (Kayla, Whitney, Ashley). Thank you.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Jackson Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center, Springfield. A service to honor Scott’s life will begin at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Chaplain Rick Tettao. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, ODNR Natural Areas & Preserves, or Second Harvest Food Bank (Local chapter: Champaign, Clark, Logan) in Scott’s honor. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com or contacting them directly.