David Arnold Gray

David A. Gray, 72, of Sister Lakes, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Lakeland Medical Center- St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Eau Claire Student Activities Center, 6238 W. Main Street, Eau Claire, with Pastor Glen Head officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date at Caldwell Cemetery in Eau Claire. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, as well as an hour prior to the service at the Student Activities Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the David A. Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund; checks payable to Sharon Gray.  Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. David was born on March 24, 1945, in Three Rivers to Clarence & Patricia Ann (Claridge) Gray.  He graduated from Marcellus High School and continued his education by earning his bachelor’s degree from Alma College and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.  He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 in Vietnam.  On August 5, 1972, he married the love of his life, Sharon Burbach, in Eau Claire. David always had a passion for education. He worked and coached for Eau Claire Public Schools for 33 years. He worked as Superintendent for Eaton Rapids Public Schools from 2000-2004 and the Michigan Department of Education for 10 years. He returned to his home as Superintendent of Eau Claire in 2015. David was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and Michigan State University. He enjoyed listening to music of all genres, from rock & roll to old country. He cared deeply for all the students, staff, the surrounding community, and of course, was completely devoted to Sharon, his children, and grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. David is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sharon; children, Jason (Patricia) Gray of Grand Blanc, Ryan (Audrey) Gray of South Elgin; Rachele (Timothy) Rice of Berrien Springs, and Jessica (Todd) Wesson of Chicago; grandchildren, Dane & Piper Gray, Cooper & Cortland Rice, and Stella & Briggs Wesson; sister, Suzanne Gray; favorite mother-in-law, Bernice Burbach; and many nieces & nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Patricia; brother, Daniel Gray; and father-in-law, George Burbach.