Richard Steven Gray, Sr., 50, dies
December 9, 2011,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Richard Steven Gray Sr., 50, of Anderson, Ind., died Dec. 8, 2011.
Born May 14, 1961, in Marion County, Ky., he was an owner and trainer of Standardbreds. He was also a blacksmith, a woodworker and a former board member of the Indiana Standardbred Association.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Gray had trained the winners of $2,058,736. Over his lifetime, his stable included winners at many venues, including fair and pari-mutuel tracks in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. His top money-earning performer was the pacing mare EJ’s Copperstone p,2,1:53.2; 3,1:53; 4,1:52.3; 5,1:52.2 ($348,553). The daughter of Lease On Life was an Indiana Sires Stakes champion at ages 2 and 3. In the past few seasons, he had also campaigned the veteran trotter JSC Merit Raise 5,1:54.4 ($249,477), whose last start was a second-place finish in the Indiana Sires Stakes for older trotters at Indiana Downs.
Though he generally shod the horses he trained, he was also a well-respected blacksmith within the industry. Many trainers would consult with Mr. Gray for corrective shoeing tips, with new records coming after his advice was followed.
During his term as a director of the Indiana Standardbred Association, Mr. Gray was considered one of the most approachable board members because of his good-natured disposition.
Mr. Gray was also a family man who loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their school functions and sporting events, as well as sharing holiday festivities.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; sons, Stevie and Brandon; daughter, Emily; grandson, Jamie; brother, Jack Jr. (Martha); sisters, Cary Jean (Gilbert) Bright, Terry Ann (James) Gootee, Emma Jean (Stuart) Thompson, Teresa Jane (Pete) Thompson, Pigeon (Michael) Deep, Peggy Sue (Daryl) Grant, and Karen Marie (Danny Ray) Caldwell; and brother-in-law, Larry McCauley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Sr. and Emma Jean; siblings, Mary Sanders McCauley and infants Mary Ella and James Archie.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 11) at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, Ky., followed by interment in Saint Augustine Cemetery, Lebanon, Ky. Bro. Harold Gribbins will officiate. Friends may call from 4-9 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 10) and from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral on Sunday at Mattingly Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may go to his minor children c/o Richard Steven Gray Sr. Memorial Fund, Citizens National Bank, 145 W. Main, Lebanon, KY 40033. The account is to be administered by co-executors Teresa Thompson, Peggy Grant, and Pigeon Deep (sisters of R. Steven Gray Sr.).