Obituary
Robert Bruce Gray, 77, of Belvidere, Illinois passed away peacefully in his home Monday, January 17, 2022. Bruce was a lifelong resident of Boone County, the son of George and Laura (Strawn) Gray. Bruce married the love of his life Betty Kay Oman on September 26, 1964. Bruce grew up on the farm with his parents and older brother. He showed sheep in FFA. Bruce started his working career off the farm as a plumber for Betty’s parents’ business Acme Plumbing. He was a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 23. As a pipefitter, Bruce worked on the construction of the Byron Nuclear Power Plant. He was a skilled tradesman at Chrysler for over 30 years where he enjoyed the fellowship of the people he worked with. Farming always remained in Bruce’s blood. Later in life he farmed with his brother and has remained a landowner to this day. Bruce loved snowmobiling and was even involved in professional Arctic Cat racing. Most importantly Bruce’s greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Bruce is loved and missed by his wife, Betty; daughter, Debra (Scott) Schwebke; grandchildren, Meghan Schwebke, Justin Schwebke; brother, Lynn (Nellie) Gray and beloved cat Regan. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Special thank you to his caregiver Carol Woods and to St. Croix hospice for your loving care.
Services will be private. Memorials to St. Croix Hospice in honor of Bruce. To light a candle or share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.
