Forester Gray

Forester Gray, 82, of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and formerly of Indianapolis, passed away on April 7, 2026, at Community Hospital South after a brief illness. He was born in Dewitt, Kentucky, on September 28, 1943, to the late Sherman and Stella (Smith) Gray.

Forester was an asphalt paving contractor for more than 60 years and the proud owner of Gray Paving. He was known for his strong work ethic, his grit, and his ability to get the job done right. Outside of work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards, especially poker, where he was known to take jewelry as collateral when someone came up short on the pot. He loved to win, and he loved his money; if you owed him, he made sure you remembered. Forester was also quite the ladies’ man in his day, full of charm, humor, and a mischievous streak that made him unforgettable.

A talented and determined man, Forester built the cabin he lived in while in North Carolina, as well as an A-frame home in Gosport, Indiana, years earlier. He was a tough father, especially on his daughter, and they are grateful for that toughness today. His children were the most important part of his life. No matter how frustrated he might get, he was always there when they needed him. His presence, his humor, and his unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his children, Linda (Michael) Hildebran, Debbie (Joseph) Combs, Roger (Cathy) Gray, Sherman Gray, Terry Gray, Forester “Tank” A. (Lindsay) Gray, and Shane Gray; siblings, Sol (Beatrice) Gray, Bonnie Sue Castle, Carolyn Broughton, and Sheila Jones; seventeen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; and his beloved chihuahua, Fefe. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tami Gray; daughter, Vickie Pleasant: daughter-in-law, Sheryl Gray; and siblings, Calaway Gray, Vivian Marions, and Lonnie Gray.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. A service celebrating his life will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Loral Tansy officiating.

To share a favorite memory, sign the guestbook, or order flowers, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements and care were entrusted to Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services.

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