Donald Steven Gray, Sr. Esq.
January 04, 1945 - September 12, 2009
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Donald Steven Gray, Sr. Esq.
January 04, 1945 - September 12, 2009
Obituary
Donald Steven Gray, Sr. Esq., 64, of Irvine, California departed this life Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Cedar Sinai Hospital after a long illness. Attorney Gray was born January 4, 1945 in Los Angeles, California and was the son of the late Leon Bennett and the late Teova Bennett.
He was Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. ‘TAIS’ for 23 years. Attorney Gray graduated from California State University at Los Angeles, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in 1974. He served in the U.S. Army, where he earned the rank of Captain. He was a decorated Viet Nam combat veteran Field Artillery and a Life Member of the 1st Infantry Division Society. He also had a three-year Presidential Appointment to serve as Director, Military Equal Opportunity Programs, at the Department of Defense, Pentagon, under President Jimmy Carter. A Trustee and long time member of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Donald received many awards and recognition. He served as President of the Orange County California Bar Association, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee 2 terms, and President of the Bernard S. Jefferson Law Society. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity – ‘Boule’ and 100 Black Men of Orange County and National Brotherhood of Skiers. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 5. Attorney Gray has also received numerous professional, civic and charitable awards such as Christ Our Redeemer AME Church Man of the Year, the Judge Learned Hand Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League Jurisprudence Award, the Citizen of Distinction in Law award presented by the City of Santa Ana, California, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Tom Bradley Distinguished Citizen Award, and Scout Master of the Year.
He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Jacqueline Wyatt Gray; children, Donald, Jr., Victoria and Derrick, cousins, Wendell Black, Thelma Walker, Phillip Lee and family; and a host of relatives and dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. with fraternal services from 8-9 p.m., Friday at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, California. The funeral services will be held on Saturday Morning at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, California and Interment at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, California.
8 responses to Donald Steven Gray, Sr. Esq.
O'Connor Mortuary says:
September 17, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Donald Gray
Debby, Phil and Cat Riddick says:
September 18, 2009
Our prayers are with each and every one of you. I know Cat wishes she could be here for the funeral, but it isn’t possible.
Cole & Pamela says:
September 19, 2009
To our brother Don. We are so fortunate to have been a part of your life. The relationship is everlasting. May God bless Jacqui,Don Jr, Vicki and Derrick always
Sarah Lovett-Hall &Family says:
September 20, 2009
Dear Niece & Children,
I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We all know what a wonderful person Don was. He was so helpful to me and my siblings when our sister your mom passed. He went out of his wy to make sure all things went well for us while we were in his home.
I loved him so much.
Love,
Aunt Sarah
Virginia K. Lee Jenny says:
September 22, 2009
This is a deep loss. Condolences and to Jacquie, Donald Jr., Victoria and Derrick all my love.
Cousin Jenny