Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald D. Gray

Retired Brigadier General Ronald D. Gray, of the United States Air Force, a highly esteemed officer who dedicated nearly three decades of service to his country, passed away on October 22, 2026, at Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kansas.

Born on March 31, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, to Jay and Dorothy Gray, Ronald Gray graduated from Chicopee High School in Massachusetts in 1960. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University in 1964 and subsequently completed a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1973.

Commissioned in May 1964, Brigadier General Gray began his active-duty service in June 1964 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. His illustrious career included roles as a Minuteman launch control officer, an airborne launch control system crewmember, and leadership positions at various installations across the United States. He commanded the 381st Missile Maintenance Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and served as vice commander and later commander of the 1st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In May 1992, he assumed command of the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base. He was promoted to Brigadier General on April 1, 1990.

Throughout his military career, General Gray’s commitment to excellence was recognized through multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Combat Readiness Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

On June 16, 1963, Ronald Gray married Patricia Roberts, beginning a partnership that lasted over 63 years. He is survived by his wife Patricia of Lakeview Village, Lenexa, Kansas; his son John Gray (Angie) of Atchison, Kansas; his daughter Jennifer Teichman (Scott) of Denver, Colorado; his son Jeremy Gray (Sheila) of Republic, Missouri. He also leaves behind six grandchildren—Amber Gray, Ashley Funk (Garner), Jeremy Gray (Jessica), Jillian Teichman (Jason), Ryan Teichman, and Sydney Gray—and five great-granddaughters and one great-grandson. He is also survived by a brother, Alan Gray of Dallas, Texas.

Brigadier General Gray’s legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to both his country and family will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. A military honors service will be held on November 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home in Atchison followed by visitation with the family until 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be left to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, online at Donate online to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where Ronald and Patricia spent many years as docents.