Wayne Austin Gray

WAYNE AUSTIN GRAY, 97, of Ventura entered the gates of heaven on March 8, 2026. Wayne was born November 22, 1928 as the youngest or seven children to William and Opal Gray of Fort Collins, CO. He joined the Navy in 1948 and then married Virginia "Ginny" Lee Peeler on July 4, 1950. Very shortly after they were married, he boarded the USS BOXER as an EM-2 to serve in the Korean War. When he returned home, Wayne and Ginny started their family and raised four children.

He was preceded in death by all of his siblings; the mother of his children, Ginny; and their eldest daughter, Cheryl Diane Gray Short. He is survived by his other three children: Alan Gray of Chico, CA, Valerie Gray of Ventura, CA , and Scotty (Danielle) Gray of Ventura; along with 10 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids.

A 58 year resident of Ventura, Wayne was involved with many hobbies including coaching youth sports, country line dancing, and camping. After retiring from civil service at Port Hueneme Seabee Base, he started his own handyman business which he did for many years. In more recent years, he loved to help around his community with anything that needed fixing. Throughout his life, he made it a priority to help others. He lived by the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He was the kindest person and anyone who ever met him would agree.

He was known as a practical joker, with a quick witted sense of humor that was the joy of any gathering. Even up until his last days, he had his caregivers laughing on a regular basis. Most importantly, he was known to his entire family as the ultimate provider.

He was loved beyond measure.

A Memorial Service will be held at Encounter Church, 6950 Ralston St, Ventura, CA 93003, at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 21, 2026.