Gilbert Cray, Jr.

9 Condolences

9 Condolences

  1. I didn’t get to spend the time I would have liked to have spent with Gil. I wasn’t on the Airmen Of Note with him very long, but the time I did have was great. His musicianship was incredible in both his piano playing and his arrangements. I have no doubt that he will be missed by many, and I certainly am very sad that he is no longer with us.

    Reply
  2. To the Cray family..It was a honor to know Gil when I too was in the AF Band during the 60’s. We met on occasion and I was very happy to hear him perform. A truly great pianist. I left the band career field and went on to other things, but I will always remember Gil and the influence he had on my playing.
    Sincerly, Joseph A. Deutsch, Major, USAF res ret.

    Reply
  3. Although Gil and I were contemporaries, he entering USAF bands in 1959 and I in 1960,we never served together. From everything I heard over the years, that was my loss. I salute a fine musician who gave his all to USAF music.

    Reply
  4. Gil was a good friend, we were roommates at Ramstein Germany back in the 60s. He enjoyed life and we had some great times together. Gil was a great musician and always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who asked. It was an honor to know him and spend time him. God Bless you Gil.

    Reply
  5. I was stationed with Gill at Ramstein AFB Germany from Dec. `65 until I left in Oct.`68. He was “Mr.Cool” in my book. I had the privilege of accompanying him on bass fiddle as well as playing his terrific arrangements on Bari-sax with the dance band. We have lost a fine musician and a fine person.

    Reply
  6. My deepest condolences to Gil’s family. Gibby, as he was known to all of us at McDowell High, was a talented musician with our dance band. It was Gib who convinced me, as the vocalist, to sit up on the piano when I sang. Sadly, we will pay tribute to him at our reunion this summer.

    Reply
  7. Gil and I served together in the Patrick Band until he left for Ramstein. Besides being a fabulous jazz pianist, he was such a great guy. When he shipped out he left his tool set with me..I was to send him $20 bucks as payment. Well, I never got around to it. 40 years later, we sit down together at a re-union luncheon, I say “Hey Gil, here’s that $20 bucks I owe you, with interest!” He says “Whaaat, you don’t owe me anything.” I finally force $30 bucks on him, and a week later he e-mails me saying he doesn’t feel right taking the extra $10 bucks!! For 40 years I owed him $20 bucks and he wouldn’t take a dime more! He sent me a check for the $10 bucks! I saw Gil for the last time at the hospice, and though he didn’t remember me or any of the old times, it was still special. What a guy he was!

    Reply
  8. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories give you peace until you meet with him again. God Bless.

    Reply
  9. Gil has been a part of our life for too many years to count. From beach vacations, talks about kids and living on the water, hearing him play at clubs and restaurants, bicycle rides with Ina, to just hanging out. His soft and kind manner as well as his musical abilities will always be remembered. We will miss him. We hope that Kathy and the boys are doing well and look forward to seeing everyone in March.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How do I send a condolence?

First, locate the condolence form to the left and below any other condolences. Then you will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone). Once you are finished typing your message, simply click the submit condolence button. It may take up to 24 hours for your message to appear.You may share this obituary by completing the form below. This is particularly helpful to someone who may live out of town.