John Dennis Gray, age 73, of Washburn passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland.  He was born February 4, 1949 in Detroit, MI, the son of Bernard and Thelma (Bassett) Gray.

John graduated in 1967 from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL and continued his schooling at the University of Illinois. John was a luthier who owned and operated John Gray String Repair in Champaign, IL and later in Washburn.  

John married Teresa (Hausback) Hammel on March 14, 2000 in Urbana, IL.  The couple then moved and bought their home in Washburn in 2000.

John was a loving husband, proud father, wonderful brother, beloved son and a true friend.  In the music community, his legacy will live on in the instruments he made, repaired and brought back to life.  John was a member of the town Planning Commission in Champaign IL and later in Washburn WI.  He was a safe harbor for those who knew him and his smile and generosity will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Matthew (Ashley)  and Danielle (David), step-children, Dustin (Grace) and Jordy; grandchildren, Aubrey and Alexis; step-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Thomas and Preston; siblings, Bernard (Robin), Sharon (JC) and Andrea (David); and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Andrew.

A celebration of John’s life will begin 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Snug in Washburn. 

Arrangements are by Bratley Funeral Home of Washburn. 

Visit the John Gray Guitars page on Facebook:

https://facebook.com/groups/80237286852/