Kevin Ross Gray

Kevin Ross Gray, age 73, arrived at his Heavenly home on Friday, August 9, 2024 when he passed away, surrounded by family, after a rapid decline in health.

Kevin was born on August 6, 1951 in Salt Lake City Utah to Albert Louis Gray and Lois Lilian Dent Gray. He had one sister, Shauna Sargent and two brothers, Jeffery Gray and Cory Gray.

Kevin was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a fulltime mission in the Delaware Maryland Spanish Mission. Upon returning from his mission in 1972, he met and fell in love with his eternal companion and sweetheart, Wendelyn Feil, and the two were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 11, 1973. Together, they welcomed five children: David Gray (Casey), Kimberly Pearce (Ryan), Jennifer Stroud (Matthew), Jeremy Gray, Julie Gray (Danny). They also have thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Over the years, Kevin served in many callings within the church including High Council, Executive Secretary in the Bishopric, Stake Seventies President, Secretary of the ward High Priests Group and Gospel Doctrine Teacher. Teaching was his favorite calling within the church and within his career. If there was an important lesson to be learned, it was usually his voice teaching it. He had a natural talent for teaching with confidence and empathy.

Kevin’s career was in the field of Law Enforcement, which he started when he returned from his mission. He was an officer and Sergeant with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office then worked for the Law Firm of Lund and Associates as a consultant for jail and prison operations. He traveled the country with the National Institution of Corrections as a consultant and instructor. He then worked with the University of Utah as a Parking Enforcement Officer and Lieutenant. He spent twenty-four years at the Utah Department of Corrections in the training academy where he worked as a
Training Coordinator, Training Manager and Assistant Director of Training. He assisted in the development of the State Corrections Officer Certification Program and taught numerous classes in the Academy, in-service and management programs. He traveled the state providing in-service training to the state’s County Sheriff’s Departments. Kevin retired from State Corrections and took a year off before returning to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office as a Civilian Employee in the Security Division as a Control Room Operator and Supervisor. He remained in this position until his death.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and brother-in-law. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kevin was a spiritual giant among men. He was a compassionate, brave leader and teacher to all who knew and loved him. Whether he was training correctional officers, or teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, his testimony and conviction resounded in the hearts of many. He loves the Lord fiercely and was unwavering in his testimony of Jesus Christ all the days of his life. Even through hard times, he stood solidly on the foundation of his faithfulness. In life and eternity, he loves his wife, Wendy, endlessly. Kevin was a strong and loving father. His children, grandchildren and all within his care always knew they were safe, respected, loved and protected. He was a shield and a guiding light to all around him and will continue to be until we meet again beyond the veil.

A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary in Salt Lake City, Utah (260 E. South Temple) on Wednesday, August 14 from 11:00 am-12:50 pm. Graveside services will follow at the Mount Olivet Cemetery Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help cover Kevin’s burial costs by way of Venmo @Kevin-Gray-519