Ronald Francis Gray

Ronald Francis Gray “Coach”, born May 4, 1937 passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the age of 86.

Ron was born and raised on a farm in Eagle Grove, Iowa.  He went on to become a standout high school and collegiate wrestler, winning 3 Iowa state high school championships and 2 NCAA championships, and was named the Outstanding Wrestler in the 1959 national tournament.

He received his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and his Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University.  In 1971, Ron and his family moved to Kent to become a teacher and the head wrestling coach at Kent State University, where he made a positive impact on many people.  Ron retired in 1996 after 25 years of service and remained in Kent.  He capped his successful wrestling and coaching career with his induction into the National Wresting Hall of Fame in 2013.

While wrestling became a way of life for Ron, his love was his family.  Ron was a devoted husband to Marica “Mother”, his wife of 65 years, and a loving father to his five children.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing, wood working, working in his garden and family vacations.  Ron always had a joke or prank at the ready and loved kids of all ages.  Ron was a great but humble man whose actions spoke louder than his words.  He will be missed.  He will never be forgotten.

Ron is survived by wife, Marica; daughter, Shelley (Chuck) Cunningham; sons, Michael Gray, James Gray, Ronald J. (Theresa) Gray; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis Cooper, Teresa Dodd, Roselee (Dave) Sandvig, Paula (Dave) Eck, Lana (Steve) Nail.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Gray, who he is now with again; parents, Elwood and Ruth Gray; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” McCart; brothers, Robert “Bob”  Gray, William “Bill” Gray.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 14th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a brief Memorial Service by Celebrant Kevin O’Brien at 4:00 PM, at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH.