Frank Mervin Gray, 79

Frank Mervin Gray of Glendale, Arizona, passed away on July 23, 2020, from the effects of the coronavirus — COVID-19.

He was formerly from Lakeside, Montana, and over the course of his years also lived in Wyoming, Pennsylvania and California.

Frank was born in Manhattan Beach, California, on Sept. 14, 1940, and was adopted at birth by Albert and Hilda Simmons Gray, both having arrived in America from England on the ocean liner the Queen Mary, several years earlier. He grew up on land owned by his parents in the Palmdale, California, area where they raised poultry for Swift’s Premium and where his father sold a quantity of acreage to the U.S. government at 50 cents per acre, to be incorporated into Edwards Air Force Base.

Frank developed a lifelong passion for automotive endeavors and became a master mechanic and machinist. NHRA racing and the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week in Utah with his son were events he enjoyed immensely. His philosophy of the “pedal to the metal” was applied with abandonment. He lived an interesting life and experienced more than most could ever imagine. In many ways, he was bigger than life itself.

Frank is survived by his son, Frank Michael Gray (Brandy) of Montana, daughter Jane Elizabeth Olson (Gary) of Arizona, daughter, Susan Rae Bolin of Arizona, son-in-law and friend, Tommy Gene Bolin of Arizona, as well as friends, Belle Dalton of Oregon, Richard Grasskemper of Wyoming and Pete Stamper of Idaho, among others. It is hoped that his little dog, Dee-Dee, has accompanied him on his final journey.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a future date, to be announced.