Thomas James McGray
Thomas James McGray, 78, passed away due to a brief illness on November 10, 2024 at Hospice Home of Hope surrounded by his family. He was born October 7, 1946 in Fond du Lac to the late Walter and Alice (Adelman) McGray.
Tom married the love of his life, Nanci Bostwick on April 27, 1986.
Tom proudly served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1973. He was an NCO in the Sargeant Missile Program and in charge of nuclear warheads.
Tom was a lifelong gear-head and once a member of the Rev Masters. In his early 20’s he drag-raced cars. His favorites were his ‘65 Oldsmobile 442 and ’69 W-31 Oldsmobile Cutlass. He often talked about racing and winning the Kaukauna Big Coca Cola 400 Cavalcade of Stars in his W-31 Olds, which was his fastest car that he modified.
Tom grew up in the family business of McGray’s Resort and Bar which he eventually owned and operated. He stayed in the food and beverage industry his entire career, going into sales until retiring from the Fine Wine Division of Edison Liquor where he was awarded salesman of the Year numerous times.
Tom loved the Packers and was an avid baseball fan. In 1958 he met and had his picture taken with Hank Aaron. He played baseball, sponsored many softball teams and later coached little league for many years.
Tom’s favorite thing to do was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He truly had a passion for building relationships, connecting with people which created lifelong friendships. Tom and Nanci enjoyed eating and drinking their way through vacations, with a special love for St. Augustine, Florida.
Tom is survived by his wife Nanci; daughters Kelly (Vincent) Wondra, Melissa (Jason)Tramel, son Ryan (Kristeen) Pelot; grandchildren Jacob (Erika), Korynne (Zach), Hannah (Jordan), Claire (Brett), Cole, Madalyn, Megan and Violet; and five great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his sister Carol (Jim) Klee, sisters-in-law Laura (William) Meeks and Carol Bostwick; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother Billy McGray and Aunt Viola “Tante” Adelman, father-in-law Ralph “Bud” and mother-in-law Audre Bostwick; sister-in-law Lynda (John) Gitter, brothers-in-law Michael (Sharon) Bostwick and Stephen Bostwick.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in North Fond du Lac at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 15th . Friends and relatives are invited to visit starting at 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.
Special thanks to the PCU staff at St Agnes Hospital as well as Hospice Home of Hope.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers that you consider making a donation in Tom’s name to Big Brothers Big Sisters FDL.