John Wesley Gray Jr. (Jay)

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Fort Myers Beach resident Jay Gray with Asaf Bandor, of Israaid. Bandor was part of a group of Israeli humanitarian aid volunteers who helped Gray clean his property and locate personal belongings that had washed away from Hurricane Ian such as this St. Patrick’s Day sign. Photo provided

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Fort Myers Beach residents Lisa Jones and her father Capt. John “Jay” Gray won their respective divisions in the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club Fun Run back in 2020. Jay Gray died on Jan. 28 from melanoma. File photo

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Fort Myers Beach resident John Wesley Gray points to the wall in his home where a photograph of his great-grandfather, John Wesley Gray, hangs. The Civil War veteran's discharge papers are framed next to the photograph. Nathan Mayberg

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Fort Myers Beach Marine Jay Gray holds up an Israeli glass plate that says "Shalom," meaning peace. Photo provided

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With painted coconuts from trees on their property, Fort Myers Beach residents Jay and Charlotte Gray celebrated Easter in 2022 along with a golden egg hidden on their yard. The yellow and blue colors of the coconuts are meant to symbolize the couple's support for the nation of Ukraine. The Grays became known in Fort Myers Beach for their colorful coconuts to celebrate the holidays. Photo provided

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Fort Myers Beach resident Jay Gray died after a battle with cancer. He was a longtime runner, who enjoyed regular jog across the island. File photo PHOTO PROVIDED

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John Wesley Gray Jr. (Jay), 86 years, sailed onward to heaven on January 28, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Beloved husband of Charlotte Balletto Gray for 62 years. Loving father of Lisa Gray Jones (Douglas), J. Wesley Gray (Kathleen) and Charles Gray. Dear Grandfather of Bradley, Allison, Austin, Evan, Kyle and Corey. Brother of Barbara Gray Lawless.

Born in Camden, NJ, Jay was raised in the Atlantic City area. He graduated from Atlantic City High School and was a proud member of the undefeated AC Football team of 1956. Jay graduated from the University of Miami where he met his wife, Charlotte. A proud Marine, he wore his Marine Corps hat his whole life. After his service he worked for Corning Glass Works, Ford Motor Company, and Midas International.

Summers at the Jersey shore in Longport NJ were enjoyed by the whole family. They wintered in Ft. Myers Beach Florida for over 25 years.

Jay’s true passions were sailing Charisma with his 1st mate, Charlotte, and running races from 5Ks to Marathons for the past 50 years. Jay was happy seeing the world on his month-long Princess cruises.

He biked the AC Boardwalk daily in the summers greeting everyone he passed. Sundays always included Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea.

His winter bike rides were on the Fort Myers Beach daily, greeting everyone he passed. Sunday’s always included Mass at the Church of the Ascension.

Jay was blessed to live a long and fulfilling life.