Earl Emory Gray

Earl Emory Gray better known as The Duke, 86 of Bradenton, FL, passed to a better place with no pain on January 26, 2025. He was born December 28, 1938 in Warwick, NY to George and Isabel Gray.  

He served in SAC in the US Air Force.  He worked many jobs since he was 15 years old and was never out of a job. Earl worked 20 years at Blackman Ford retiring when he was 62 due to having dual knee replacement.  He went back to the ford dealership to drive the courtesy van.  He loved meeting people and teasing them.  So he set up a booth in the Flea market by the tower in Lake Placid.  He finally retired to ride his Harley. He was a member of the American Legion and the Moose Lodge in Avon Park and a Life member of ABATE and AMVETS Post 21 in Sebring. 

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, George and Isabel; brother, Robert; Daughter, Kathie and Grandson, Eddie.

He is survived by his wife, Kayleen "Kay"; namesake Earl II; daughters, Jeanna and Tuesday; brother, George; sisters, Charlotte, Carol and Mary; grandsons, Louis and Billy; granddaughter, Breny; great grandsons, Aiden and William and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be Sunday, March 2nd, 1:00PM at Pinecrest Cemetery. ( We will meet at the corner of Stryker Road and Hwy 27 in Avon Park at 12:30 pm.)   A celebration of Life with Military Honors will follow at the AMVETS Post 21 in Sebring. There will also be a luncheon at the post.  In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to the local VA for the Homeless veterans.