Larry (Butch) Gray, Gunnery Sergeant, US Marines (Ret), born February 19, 1944, wrapped up his earthly tour of duty on June 18, 2026. I am confident that he joined his family that had gone before, ready with a sarcastic comment, a stubborn opinion, and a grin that said he knew he was right. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Alvie Gray and Melba Rogers, brother Frank, sisters Delores, Josephine, and Patricia, his grandson Justin, and his kindred spirit cat - Bob.

He was a proud Marine. He was awarded the Air Medal Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, served 4 tours and was a true American hero. After serving his country until 1983, he continued his career with the Federal Aviation Administration until retiring in 2006. He approached both service and work with the same qualities he brought to everything: grit, humor, stubbornness, and a deep sense of duty. He was kind, funny, opinionated, and a worldclass smartass.

Larry is survived by "The Woman," his wife Lynda, who managed to love him, tolerate him, and occasionally keep him in line for 45+ years - a feat worthy of its own medal. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jane Holland.

He was the impressive father of six children. From his second marriage, he is survived by his children, Thomas John Gray and Rhonda Gray. Through his life with Lynda, he was blessed with Julie (Jim) Mattson, Dena Gerber, Edward McKelvin, and Kim (Jason) Pebley. He also leaves behind a small army of grandchildren, Kirklan, Kristopher, Isabella, Hunter, Dallas, Nikki, Kristin, Jesse, Brittany, Megan, Zachary, Jacob, Cassandra, Abbree, Cody, Lane, and Emma. As well as 12 great-grandchildren, who will grow up hearing legendary stories about their sharp-tongued, big-hearted patriarch.

Larry didn't hand out hugs or "I love you's" easily - they were rare, valuable, and usually followed by a joke to keep things from getting "too mushy." But if he teased you, gave you a hard time, or rolled his eyes at you, that was his way of saying he loved you. And everyone who loved him knew it.
Larry never met a stranger. He was bigger than life and was quick to help a friend in need. His legacy is one of strength, humor, and a family who will miss him more than he ever would've admitted out loud.

Semper Fi, Gunny. We'll take it from here.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home at 617 N Maguire St, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Funeral services will take place on Friday, June 26th at 2:00 p.m., at Royer Funeral Home at 1823 N Blue Mills Rd, Independence, MO 64058.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project through Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.