Gordon Reed Gray, 84 of Albany, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Golden Living Center with his loving wife and step-daughter by his side. Gordon was born on December 17, 1928 to Joseph H. and Flora (Reed) Gray at Woods Hospital in Albany. He attended the Shady Dell Country School and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1945. At the age of 10, Gordon joined the New Castle Christian Church. He later moved his membership to the New Hampton Christian Church where he served as a deacon for forty years. Gordon lived on the family farm and operated it for fifty years. He loved working the soil and being out in the fresh air. On September 19, 1987, Gordon was united in marriage to Shirley (Starmer) McDaniel at the New Hampton Methodist Church by Reverend Jim Stone. He was 58 at the time and stated that he had finally found his one and only love. In 1988, they moved to Albany and Gordon began working for Manring Plumbing and Tiling. He continued to farm but on a smaller scale. During their early years together, Gordon and Shirley enjoyed traveling. They visited cousins in Arizona, Iowa and California and went sight seeing in Texas and Kansas. In December of 1991, Gordon and Shirley went on a cruise that she had won in a contest. Even though he was a little afraid of planes and boats, Gordon was talked into going and really enjoyed the experience. Gordon and Shirley celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this past year. In addition to enjoying Shirley's home cooked meals, Gordon inherited a ready made family. The Starmer's and Kinnison's all thought highly of Gordon. Survivors: wife, Shirley Ivene, of the home; step-son, Douglas Kinnison and Geneva Smith, New Hampton; step-daughter, Diann (Gary) Jones, Stanberry; step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 28 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany with burial in the Foster Cemetery, New Hampton, MO. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday at the chapel, where friends may call anytime after 8:00 AM Tuesday morning. Memorial Contributions-Foster Cemetery in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com