Birth date: Nov 25, 1929 Death date: May 12, 2019
“Where words fail, Music speaks” ~ Hans Christian Andersen “A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind" ~Webb Chiles Larry Gray, deeply loved, and admired by many, passed onward without fanfare or fear, taking his first step Read Obituary
Larry was like a father figure to me thru out my High School years after the passing of my dad in 1961. He helped guide me as a young man and helped influence me as a musician. Our choir trip to Europe in 1969 will be one of my favorite memories forever.. I thank you Larry for all you did for me. May you rest in peace. Bob Galombeck
I can hear the choir and see your face as we sing. Amen to having such memories forever in my heart. Thank you Larry Gray for being part of my 💓.
Larry Gray was a kind-hearted man and a patient instructor, passionate about his art -- his choristers could see it in his eyes and feel it in his hands as he conducted. In his daily work he nurtured similar qualities in others. Notice how many of his students followed in his path and have achieved like success in their own lives: Skip Collins, Rick Kelly and the incomparable Gwen Bean are only the first three who come to my mind.
Will be grateful eternally for the opportunities to sing in men's choir, the a cappella choir, the allegros and the 1972 MSHS choir that toured Europe. Singing for Mr. Gray during the recent reunion produced by Rick and others was a peak experience for me.
A copy of the score for "Michigan Morn" resides in a prominent place in my office, along with this: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace, and give you peace, The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious, and be gracious; The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you. Amen." This is my prayer for you, Mr. Gray.
When I think of my high school years at Mona Shores (almost 50 years ago) I think about Acapella Choir, Men's Choir, Allegros and of course, Mr Gray. He has remained the greatest musical influence in my life for all these years. I have great memories of him writing obscure rhythms out on the chalkboard to see if anybody could clap them out and making us sightread difficult music just for the joy of sightreading. Those skills became invaluable to me as I studied music in college, for many years to come.
In 1972 he invited two of my friends, Robert Johnson and Addis Laws (Stuff), who didn't go to Shores to join our choir for the tour to Europe. He allowed us, along with Brian Benjamin to sing in the concerts often accompanied by Rick Kelly. Yes, Robert and Stuff were incredibly talented, but the love and support he gave two young guys from "the other side of the tracks" had a massive impact on them for many years to come.
I have ended up in music ministry for the past 30 years in South Africa and have loved every minute of it. But my love for music was born in that Choir room at Mona Shores High School and nurtured by a man whose love for music and his students far exceeded his carrier and his job.
My story isn't one of a few. It's one of hundreds and maybe thousands! Thank you Mr Gray for the impact you have had on the world and on me. We will all be forever indebted.
Judy, What a beautiful obituary. I shall forever treasure the knowledge I gained from being one of Larry’s students. I treasure the memories of the many times I worked with him. He was a gift to so many people and he knew how to graciously draw out people’s gifts as he helped them grow. He did that for me. I am forever grateful that he was part of my life. Love, hugs and prayers to you, Judy.
Mr. Gray inspired and nurtured an extraordinary number of talented musicians...sending music out into the world. For those of us with no musical talent, Larry was a miracle worker. He molded the choir until each individual was lifted up by the whole... sending music into our hearts and lives. What a good man and great teacher. Thank you Larry for bringing so much beauty to the lives of so many. God's choir is certainly now just warming up! Love and comfort to your family. Kathy Agard
Mr. Gray meant so much to so many people... he was an amazing man and choir director, I loved every moment in high school being under his direction in Girls choir, Acapella choir and Allegros!!! He had such a way of bringing the best out of everyone!!! His love for music inspired me and helped mold my life , and is why I became a music teacher myself. I will forever keep him and Judy in my heart , my thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mr. Grays loved ones. Cindy Jakeway
Larry, you made life better when you were with us. I remember that first Sunday, when you and Judy came to worship at Temple UMC. It was one of those rare moments when, for my sermon, I played the song of a homeless man singing in the streets of London. You were so moved by his song...and came back to my office after worship where we met for the first time. It was a tearful moment, tears that only the song from the heart could reach into you. It wasn’t long before you were Temple’s Choir director who filled the choir loft with musicians who loved to sing, gave us music to inspire and that amplify our worship experiences, and amazed people who walked into our sanctuary for the first time to hear “the angels sing.” What a fortunate pastor I was to have such music.
You’ve left many good stories behind from those who are your stories that make up wonderful memories that followed your baton.
Now that you’re gone, I’m sad that I don’t have an alumn from U of M for a friendly rivalry to make Big Ten athletics fun. I really enjoyed that.... Now, I’m also afraid that your teams at U of M is at a great disadvantage without your coaching and scouting abilities.....well, okay, out of love and respect for you I’ll say this: “”Hail to the Victors!”
Thank you Lar, for being a good “note” in this world, and for teaching us how to share our notes with others so that we can be a bit of heaven that heals the tired spirits yearning for something beautiful.
Peace and Joy Lar....Jerry Hagans
