Alton Benjamin Gray, Jr.

Alton B. “Mac” Gray, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully early on December 29, 2022 at Apple Rehab Mystic. Mac was born in North Stonington to Alton B., Sr. and Madelyn (Sutcliffe) Gray. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancie (Maine) Gray.
Mac graduated from Stonington High School. He received a degree in Farming and Dairy Management at UCONN and then graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy as he went on to serve in the US Air Force from 1953-1957.
He married Nancie while in the Air Force and following his honorable discharge he operated the family dairy farm (Maple Lawn Farms) in Ashaway. He raised a herd of prize winning Holsteins under the Ashawaug name. When the herd was sold in the 1960’s he went on to help operate the family business, Consumer’s Dairy in Westerly. He continued to produce hay at the family farm, processing thousands of bales a year. At the closing of Consumer’s Dairy he went on to work at the former Bob Smith’s AMC/Jeep in North Stonington. Upon leaving Bob Smith’s he went to work for General Dynamics as a transportation planner until his retirement.
As a young man he was one of the first people in RI to own a go-cart and he raced at the RI tracks and went on to become New England Champion for three years running.
He had a passion for cars and trucks. Before he could drive he would take a train from Westerly to Providence so he could view car lots. He was known never to let a vehicle get too old before it got traded in. He was an avid collector and seller of horse drawn vehicles, making many trips to Pennsylvania. He worked with Martin Auctioneers in New Holland for over 40 years. Later on he bought and sold many antiques, always looking for the right deal.
He lived life to the fullest, taking on any challenge he could find. In his final days he stated “I have no regrets. I have done basically everything I ever wanted to do.” Despite his many interests he put family first and was always there for his children. He was a great friend to many here and within the Amish community in Pennsylvania.
He was a charter member of the Tomaquag Valley Hounds Fox Hunting Club and spent many hours preparing trails and prepping for the hunts. He was a life member of the Ashaway Sportsman’s Club. He was a member of the North Stonington Grange, Back Country All Fours Club, and the RI Beach Buggy Association. He was an active member of the Pendleton Hill Baptist Church for many years.
He is survived by his sons Alton “Jay” Gray and his wife Judy, Dan Gray and his wife Tara, and his daughter Tracy Gray. He leaves two grandchildren Nancy J. Gray and Isobel Gray, and three great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his grandson Daniel Benjamin Gray. He is also survived by his brother Richard Gray and his wife Rae Anna, nephew Britton and his wife Linda, and niece Tiffany.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at The Westerly Health Center and Apple Rehab Mystic for their excellent care and kindness shown to Mac.
Donations can be made in Mac’s name to Stand Up For Animals, 33 Larry Hirsch Ln, Westerly, RI 02891 or think of him and tour your local favorite car lot.
Family and friends are welcome to gather on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 4-7pm at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly, RI. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at The Ashaway Sportsman Club, 1 Gun Club Path, Ashaway, Rhode Island 02833 from 1:30pm-3:30pm
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com