Floyd "Bud" N. Gray

Floyd “Bud” Nelson Gray, 88, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 at Morningstar Care Home in Fredonia, Kansas.

Bud was born March 12, 1931, in Benedict, Kansas, the son of William and Ruth (Nelson) Gray. He grew up in Benedict, graduating from Benedict High School in 1949. Bud served his country as a member of the Navy during the Korean War.

On August 15, 1955, in Fredonia, he married Shirley Faulkner. To this union two children were born; a daughter, Shannon Blackwell, and a son, Floyd “Butch” Gray, Jr. The couple later divorced. On November 12, 1965, he married Johnnie Nix in Spearman, Texas. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2009.

While in Texas, Bud worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. He moved his family to Fredonia in 1968 where he farmed and later worked for ADM. Bud’s hobbies included playing Bingo, cards, and Farkle. He enjoyed going to Las Vegas and playing weekly Bingo in Seneca and Chanute.

He was a member of the Fredonia Order of Eagles and American Legion. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW.

Survivors include his children, Shannon Blackwell, Floyd “Butch” Gray Jr., Ray Sims (Gina), Linda Venneman (Joe T.), Mike Sims (April), Charles Sims, and daughter-in-law, Judy Sims, nineteen grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie, his parents, his children: Danny Sims and Lorraine Marr, grandchildren: Melissa Blackwell Jones, Chris Sims and Joe B. Sims, brothers: Beryl Gray and William Gray Jr., sisters: Lela Shiflett and Ollie Black.

Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, June 7, 2019 at Wickham Family Funeral Home, Fredonia, Kansas. The guest book may be signed from 1:00-4:00 PM, Thursday, June 6, 2019 at the funeral home.

Memorials have been suggested to the Fredonia Flag Fund and may be left at or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th, Fredonia, KS 66736.