GRAY, DONALD DAVID
Highland Beach, FL / McLean, VA November 2, 2014

Donald was born in Washington, DC on March 6, 1930. He was the son of Harold and Gertrude Marie Gray. His 2nd wife, Alicia Eckhardt Gray, of Highland Beach, FL, survives Don. He is also survived by his two daughters, Catherine Louise Gray of Beverly Hills, CA, and Diana Louise (Gray) Higgins and her husband, Richard, of Grand Isle, VT, a sister, Marie (Gray) Wenzel, of Mechanicsville, MD, four grandchildren, Shane Higgins, of New York City, Chad Higgins and his wife, Nicole, of Melrose, MA., Melinda Louise (Higgins) Bero and her husband, Peter, of Essex, VT, and Zachary Gray Higgins of Grand Isle, VT. He also leaves four great grandchildren, Colby and MaKenzie Higgins, and Parker and Paige Bero, two nephews, Daniel Morris and his wife, Linda, of Mechanicsville, MD, and Jeffrey Wenzel and his wife, Becky, of Charlotte, NC. He was predeceased by the love of his life, A. Louise (Greene) Gray, his high school sweetheart and partner for 55 years.

Donald served in the US Navy and upon discharge studied architecture and worked with several Washington, D.C. area architectural firms. At the age of 23, he started his own general construction company, building schools, churches and shopping centers.

In 1961, Don joined in a partnership with his neighbor in McLean, VA., Robert H. Digges. They built single-family residences and garden apartments in several states. The partnership continues. Don retired in 1975 to south FL.

Don and Louise were ardent boaters and aboard their yacht, Miss Fortune, had cruised the many islands of the Caribbean. Don loved music and enjoyed playing jazz on his saxophone. He enjoyed dancing, traveling and socializing with his fellow Corinthians of the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club. He served as Commodore from 1988-1989 with his 1st mate, Louise.

In VA., he was very active in the Associated General Contractors of America, serving as state Membership Chairman. During his working career, he was active in the Lions Club in Alexandria, VA and had the pleasure of serving as President during the 75th Golden Anniversary year of the Lions International.

Donald fought a 2½ year battle with cancer and dementia. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on November 6, 2014, at the Congregational Church of Boca Raton, 251 SW 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, FL., 33432, with visiting hour from 10:00 – 11:00. Church service at 11:00 AM with internment to follow at the Boca Mausoleum where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Louise. Reception to follow at Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club, 2701 NE 42nd St., Lighthouse Point, FL, 33064.

Professional arrangements by Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL, 33487 (561) 997-8580. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's memory at Hospice by the Sea, 1531 West Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, FL, 33486.