Columbus, OH — John Thomas “Tom” Gray, 78, of Dayton, Ohio, died Feb. 19, 2022.

He was born June 4, 1943 in Dayton, to the late John Thomas Gray Sr. and Maureen Gray.

Mr. Gray owned many local bars in the Dayton area, including Carl’s Tavern, Hillside Tavern, Mr. P’s, Shenanigan’s, Goal Line and Pepper’s Sports Bar/Perky’s Pizza. He was very active with the Dayton Gems hockey team, where he was a former announcer, on the board of directors, a stock holder and a season ticket holder.

He loved harness racing and trained many horses and also owned several horses over the years. He also loved his dogs.

Mr. Gray is survived by his cousins, Alice (Wayne) Chlumecky, Linda, Mark Wilson and Michelle (Russell) Jones; aunt, Peggy Wilson; and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncles, Paul R. Sr. (Virginia) and Morris Wilson; aunt, Mae (Joseph) Hawker; grandparents, Glen and Anna F.; and cousins, Judith Lynn Gray McNeil and Paul R. Jr.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday (March 12) at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, where a memorial service will begin at 3 pm. Additional information is available here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 42 Arneytown-Hornerstown Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514, Hospice of Dayton and/or Montgomery County Humane Society.

His services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.