Ralph William Gray

Ralph William Gray, 93 left behind a legacy of hard work, devotion and integrity. He passed away peacefully in Queen Creek, AZ on May 31st, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ralph was raised in the fertile valley of Menan Idaho, near the Snake River, where neighbors felt more like family. His parents, Jim Gray and Anna Johnson, taught him the value of honest hard work, service and responsibility. He frequently expressed gratitude for the example his parents set for him and always remembered the sacrifice that they, and those who came before them, made on his behalf. As a young boy, he would explore the windswept lavas on his horse Zip and enjoyed going on cattle drives with his father. He was the oldest of five beloved siblings - Nadine, Karma, Marsha, Lisa and Brian. He was never in want for friends and was blessed with wonderful cousins, who were his partners in adventure.

After graduating from Rigby High School, Ralph joined the US Air Force from 1951 - 1955 and was sent overseas, where he served in the Korean War. After completing his service with the Air Force, he attended Brigham Young University (BYU) where he met the love of his life, Charlene Green. They married in 1956 and were later sealed in the Gilbert Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After they were married, they were blessed with a daughter Tamera (Tammy) and a son Thomas (Tom). Several years later, a daughter, Traci, would arrive to complete their family.

Family was by far the greatest treasure that Ralph and Charlene cherished. Their strengths and attributes were combined and they complimented one another. They formed an enduring partnership that allowed their family to be built upon a solid foundation of love, faith and security. They were deeply loved and revered by their children (Tammy, Tom and Traci), eight grandchildren (Patrick, Candice, Kristen, Cameron, Chaz, Josh, Kay and Ethan) and seven great grandchildren (Delaney, Evan, Marisa, Tyler, Mia, Rachel and Bodhi.)

It is hard to imagine Ralph, without his beloved wife Charlene by his side. What started out as a chance meeting at a BYU dance, evolved into a love story that continued to only grow stronger over 64 years of marriage. While dating in college, Charlene had an early morning job that started at 5 am. Ralph would wake at 4 am everyday to meet Charlene to walk hand in hand together across campus to her work. They would continue to walk side by side throughout their lives. Charlene stood beside Ralph and supported him throughout all their successes and challenges of life. In their twilight years, during their eighties, Ralph would frequently comment that Charlene still took his breath away whenever she walked into the room. He composed countless songs for her and he could be heard singing them as he fell asleep at night. His family takes comfort in knowing they are reunited once more - never again to be parted.

Ralph’s career was marked with distinction. His work ethic, honesty, discipline, dependability, attention to detail, and the high standard that he set for himself, were recognized by all he worked with. Ralph graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science degree and was one of the first graduates to be hired by a national accounting firm, Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery in San Francisco, CA. He was later elected as President of the Institute of Internal Auditors. As he had formerly served his country in the US Air Force, he would continue to give his all, by devoting the rest of his career in civil service, to the country he loved. He worked for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Energy Research & Development Administration (ERDA) and was Director of the Nevada Operation Office and Director of the Information Management Division for the Department of Energy. He was nominated and received several awards, including the Distinguished Career Service Award and the United States Administrative Excellence Award.

His service and career allowed him many opportunities to travel throughout the nation and overseas. He was handpicked for training and special projects that required him to attend highly classified Congressional & Senate Hearings, as well as daily staff meetings for the office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington D.C. Because of his well known trait of integrity, he never disclosed the nature of these projects. These undertakings however were later recognized as being responsible for helping to ensure the security of our country and saving numerous lives. The Manager of the NV Operations Office of DOE noted that Ralph “had been asked, on countless occasions, to do the impossible (willingly assumed the task) and succeeded.”

When he wasn’t working, Ralph loved camping and the beauty of the outdoors. He was an avid runner and kept fit throughout his life. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and appreciated the wisdom gained through a study of the scriptures. He continued to keep his mind active through reading various subject matters and enjoyed a competitive game of scrabble or card game with family & friends. As a tried-and-true BYU sports fan, he rarely missed a game. He appreciated humor and was known for his one liners and play on words. He greeted everyone he came across with a broad smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes. Writing was something he delighted in and he spent many hours creating and recording his family’s story and history for future generations.

Over the years, Ralph had developed certain values that he strove to live by. He recorded these in his journal and would share them on occasion with his children and grandchildren. These principles came to be known as “Grandpa’s Words of Wisdom.” Some of these include the following:

Your attitude toward life is the greatest influence on your overall happiness. -

If you want to change the World, change yourself first

Keep a sense of humor and acquire self-discipline. Do not procrastinate.

Make health a priority, laugh often, sweat every day, get enough sleep. Go to bed early and arise early.

Learn to be happy with what you have, while working for what you want. Happiness is a choice.

Spend Less than you earn. Save 10% of your Income and give 10% back to God

Surround yourself with others who lift you higher.

Kindness matters. Learn to forgive. Don’t hold onto offenses

Spend time reflecting on your blessings each day. Gratitude is contagious.

Choose to have faith in something bigger than yourself; Skepticism is easy.

There is greater power than yourself to draw upon. That is God.

A Memorial Service will be held for Ralph, Saturday July 11th at 11:00 a.m at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel located at 698 N. 3700 E. Menan, Idaho. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.