Roy Cooper Gray, III, Colonel, (Ret. Army), passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2025. He was born in Opelika, Alabama on August 31, 1958, the son of the late Roy Cooper Gray, Jr. and Norma Jean Wright Gray of Nicholasville, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife Anne Polk Gray, daughter Caroline Wright Gray, sister Susan Louise Gray, brother Steven Wright Gray (Letitia Hollingsworth) and his nephew Cooper Boggess Gray. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Roy graduated from Sayre High School and attended the University of Kentucky where he received his BS in Agricultural Economics and later, his MBA. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and of ROTC. Upon graduation he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Army. He spent his remaining years of service as a proud member of the 100th Division, the All KY Army Reserve Training Division. Before retiring he was called to active duty in the Iraq War. As a civilian he worked as both banker and farmer.

Throughout his life Roy was dedicated to his family, his country, and the care of our earth and environment. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and son. His inimitable approach to life combined intention, humor, and sensibility, endearing him to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bluegrass Land Conservancy, 450 Old Vine St., Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40507 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Condolences may be offered online at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com and/or www.kerrbrothersfuneralhome.com