Dr. Elmer Gray

Dr. Elmer Gray, 90, of Bowling Green, KY departed this world on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at his residence in the presence of family.

Elmer was born on March 29, 1934 in McKee (Jackson Co.), Kentucky to the late Silas and Ethel Steele Gray. He was predeceased by brothers Herman, Charlie, and Everett Gray.

Elmer and Carol Jean were united in marriage on June 29, 1957 in Annville, Kentucky. The union remained steadfast.

In addition to his wife, Elmer is survived by children: Michael (Lisa) of Nashville, TN; Judith of Bowling Green, KY; Douglas of Florence, SC; and Richard of Bowling Green, KY. His sister, Opal (Ron) Hurst of McKee, Kentucky also survives.

Cherished grandchildren include: Sev Martinez of Minneapolis, MN; Bek Gray of Mauldin, SC, Kiran Gray of Florence, SC; Jackson (Callie) Gray of Denver, CO, Carter Gray of Cincinnati, OH, Reagan Gray of Paducah, KY, and Ryan Marie of Bowling Green, KY.

Dr. Elmer Gray was a graduate of Jackson Co. High School, Berea College, the University of Kentucky, and Cornell University. Throughout his lengthy academic career he was an instructor, a dedicated researcher, and an administrator as Dean of the Graduate College at WKU. As Professor Emeritus (Spring 2020 - Spring 2022) he taught Water in Food Production, Population Genetics, and Sustainable Agriculture.

Dr. Gray was a member of the Bowling Green Cumberland Presbyterian Church and faithfully served as deacon, elder, and Sunday School teacher.

Cremation was chosen by the deceased. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cone Funeral Home of Bowling Green, KY. Condolences and a full obituary are available for viewing online at www.conefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages that we endeavor to regard one another with absolute kindness, and commit to the service of others with a generosity of spirit. Elmer Gray would have been pleased to assist.

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Elmer Gray will be held on April 27 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bowling Green Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 807 Campbell Lane. All are invited.

The WKU Department of Agriculture and Food Science will host another celebration of Dr. Gray's life at WKU's L.D. Brown Agriculture Exposition Center on June 29th at 3:00 PM.