AKWESASNE – After a courageous battle with lung cancer, Mr. George Gregory Gray, 73, of 1109 Drum Street Road, peacefully passed away Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2014 at his home with his loving family by his side.

George was born at the family home on State Road in Akwesasne on February 1, 1941, the son of the late Jonas and Mary (Cook) Gray. On June 19, 1976, he married Pauline A. Johnson in Fort Covington with Justice Jerome Brockway, officiating. She predeceased him on October 26, 2011.

George first worked on the family farm before starting to work iron. He worked for a short time with Campbell and Company building highway towers and later with American Bridge Company before starting with Local #440 in Utica. He later went to work for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Housing and Water Departments and also worked with Bruce Roundpoint Construction for 10 years. George also cut, sold, and, delivered fire wood for many years. George was a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and a member of the Akwesasne Cancer Support Group. He truly enjoyed doing wood working, bead work, making baskets, gardening, doing small engine repairs. Most recently he treasured the times he spent with his ironworker buddies at Three Feathers Coffee Shop and the Country Kitchen.

George is survived by his children, Norma Jean Johnson of Akwesasne; John and Megan Gray of Glendale, Arizona; Madeline Johnson, Beatrice Johnson and her companion, Bruce Tarbell, Rachel and Michael Jacobs, Francine Gray and her companion, Noah King, and Helen Gray, all of Akwesasne; his chosen son, Little Eddie Gray; 26 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and his god children, Maria Anz and Norm Gray.

George is also survived by his brothers, Abram Gray, Sr., Louie and Ann Gray, and Edward Gray and his companion, Louise Ingle, all of Akwesasne; his sisters, Dorothy Shatlaw of Fort Covington; Ruth Dora of Watertwon; Margaret Cullen of Oswego; and Marie and Robert Seymour of Akwesasne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife, George was predeceased by a son, George Gregory Gray, Jr. and a daughter, Dr. Barbara Ann Gray; a grandson, George Marc King; and 3 brothers, Freddie, Silas, and Philip Gray.

Friends may call at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Mike Jacobs, 49 Mose Cook Road, beginning 4:00 PM Sunday until 1:00 PM Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 2:00 PM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Anthony Osuji, celebrating. Cremation will follow.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories, condolences, and photos may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.com.