E. Vernon Gray died Monday, March 11 at his home.

He was born on July 13, 1926 in Farmington, the youngest son of Esther and Elvet Gray; both deceased.

Upon graduation from Farmington High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. From 1946 to 1950 he attended the University of Maine at Orono receiving a B.S. degree. He was a member and House Manager of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. 

Following graduation from University of Maine he was employed by Maine Consolidated Power Company and Central Maine Power Company for 39 and a half years; working primarily in the Transmission, Distribution and Substations Departments retiring in 1989 as Director of Transmission and Distributions Operations.

In 1951 he married Dorothy E. Judkins. The couple made their home in Farmington where their first daughter, Joan, was born. In 1955 they moved to Farmingdale where their second daughter Susan was born.

He very much loved outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, football, baseball and golf. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of KORA Temple and Maine Lodge #20.

Upon retirement from CMP in 1989, he and Dorothy purchased a mobile home in North Port, Fla., where they spent the winter months. The Grays were long term members of the Old South Congregational Church of Farmington and Hallowell.

He was predeceased by his brother Ralph Gray and by his grandson Tyler Wiley.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy; two daughters, Joan Bickford and her husband Robert and Susan Longfellow and her husband Dan both residents of Wiscasset; six grandchildren, Benjamin Bickford, Kyra Wiley, Chandler Longfellow, and Robert Bickford Jr., all of Wiscasset, Tanya Bickford of Florida and Dan Longfellow II of New York City, N.Y.; and one great-granddaughter, Jenna Bickford of Wiscasset.

Services will be held Friday March 15 at 11 a.m. at Staples Funeral Home 53 Brunswick Ave., in Gardiner. 

At his request, there will be no visiting hours. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Office of Philanthropy Health Reach Hospice P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04091.