Dewey C. Gray

Dewey C. “Papa Dew” Gray, 66, of Warren died Wednesday morning, August 29, 2007 at University Hospital in Cleveland. Born August 10, 1941 in Dubois, PA, he was the son of the late Andrew and Mary (Frost) Gray. Dewey was a veteran of the United States Army. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Dewey came to the Warren area where he began work at Copperweld Steel. He worked in the metallurgical lab at Copperweld Steel for 36 years until they closed their doors in 2001. Dewey was also owner and operator of the Papa Dews Pub in Warren from 1994 to 2002. He was awarded the City of Warren’s Community Service award for responding to the scene of a house fire without regard for his own personal safety to rescue and save the life of a twenty-one month old child. Dewey was also awarded by the Warren Council in recognition of his honor and unselfish acts. He received the Red Cross Good Neighbor Award and also the Champion Police Citizen of the Year Award in 1997. Throughout his life Dewey was an avid sports fan. He played softball for various leagues in the Warren area for more than 30 years and faithfully rooted for the New York Yankees. An outdoors man, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most of all he adored his family and friends and enjoyed spending his time them. Dewey genuinely touched the lives of those he knew. Always willing to be of service and to assist those in need, to know him was to love him. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Nancy J. (O’Donnell) Gray whom he married June 26, 1965. Together they shared 42 years of marriage and two sons. He is survived by his sons who in addition, were truly his best friends, Dewey Gray II of Bristolville, and Jason (Beth) Gray of Champion, three grandchildren, Allison, Gunnar and Olivia Gray, a sister Betty Bell of Reynoldsville, PA, and brothers Andrew Gray of Champion, and Robert (Diane) Gray and Charles (Sue) Gray both of Reynoldsville, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Marie Bettz. According to Dewey’s wishes, cremation will take place. Family and friends will be received Sunday, September 2, 2007 at the Roberts-Clark Funeral Chapel from 4 to 6PM. Concluding the visitation, full military honors will be observed at the funeral home.