Percival "Neal" Gray

Percival Neal Gray, 81, died Monday, October 3, 2016 peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Marie, and family after a short and courageous fight with cancer.Neal was born on March 31, 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia to Percival and Cornelia Gray. Neal joined the USAF after high school. His distinguished career included 26 years in faithful service to his country serving in California, Alaska, Vietnam, Kansas, England, and Montana. After his honorable discharge and retirement in 1979, Neal and Marie settled in Great Falls where they felt it was a safe and secure place to raise their large family.Neal was a hardworking and devoted husband to Marie, and a loving, dedicated father to his eight children. He was the most incredible father and had a unique ability to make each of his kids and grandkids feel special. He knew the value of education and made sure each of his children had the opportunity to go to college and be independent. After his AF retirement, he worked at the YMCA until its closure and then joined the Ursuline Center where he worked for 15 years as the maintenance engineer also known to the sisters and staff as their own St. Joseph, The Carpenter. Neal could fix or build anything and was also a master gardener. He was very proud of his organic, no-chemical garden and shared his passion with many friends and neighbors. He will be greatly remembered and missed by all who knew him.Neal is survived by his wife, Marie, of 58 years; eight children, Catherine Hillman of GA, Eveleen of Great Falls, Neal Patrick of CA, John of AL, Mary Levins of GA, Michael of GA, Paul of Switzerland, and Teresa Murphey of GA; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way. The Lord gives and the Lord takes.A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A funeral liturgy will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.