Lyle E. "Gene" Gray, 79, of Ava, passed away at 1:15 A.M., Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Marion Rehab and Nursing Center in Marion, IL.
Gene had been an inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  He had also worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture.  Gene was a member of the Elkville Christian Church.
He was born April 17, 1947 in Jackson County, IL, the son of Everett and Eunice (Davis) Gray.
He married Jane A. Rees on September 2, 1977 in Elkville, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Ava, four children - Michelle Clover and husband Randy of Ava, Lonnie Shepard of Alabama, Bobbie Gray of Chicago and Beth Gray of Indianapolis, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, adopted daughter - Janice Kerber of Tennessee, brother-in-law - Lavern Rees and wife Necie, and sister-in-law - Sherry Mitchell and husband Michael.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister - Beulah Clover, one brother - Butch Gray, and two brothers-in-law - James Cobin and Scott Rees.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Elkville Christian Church in Elkville with Bro. Gary Pruitt officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Monday at the church.
Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery in Elkville, IL.
Friends may make memorials to Elkville Christian Church, Crain Baptist Church in Ava, or Alzheimer's Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.