Alan "Al" Harold Gray, 79, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2016 with his family by his side after a brave 25 year battle with cancer. Al was born on April 8, 1937 in Traverse City to the late Harold and Irene (Rokos) Gray. He married his wife of 50 years, Caroline Cloud, on April 16, 1967 in Scottville, MI. Al earned a Master's degree in Education from Ferris State University. He was a special education teacher for 25 years at Arnell Engstrom School before retiring in 1991. Involvement in the Old Mission peninsula community was a large part of his life as he dedicated 10 years of service to the Peninsula Township Fire Department and he served as the Peninsula Township Trustee for 16 years. He loved his family and friends and through his special bond with everyone, he was fondly referred to as "Uncle Al". He loved the northern Michigan lakes, beaches, and boating. Al cherished the family farm – especially his John Deere tractor. May God bless Bumpa richly!

Our family wants to thank the Munson Oncology staff, Cowell Family Cancer Center staff, Hospice staff and physicians, Dr. Kosinski, Dr. Hector Ward and Lisa Cummings, RN for their support and loving care.

Al is survived by his loving wife, Caroline, a daughter, Jill Hutchinson, a son, Eric (Gina) Gray and four grandchildren; Tristan, Christian, Levi and Dylan. Also surviving are two sisters; Marilyn Purkiss and Betty (Merle) Parsons.

Friends are welcome to visit with Al's family on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am, with visiting one hour prior on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12675 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686. Father James Bearss will officiate. Lunch for family and friends will be served immediately following the church service.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Peninsula Community Library Building Fund, 2699 Island View Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Al's Family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.