ORLAND – Debra Kay Gray, 46, left our world suddenly 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005, in the arms of her loving husband, partner and friend, Greg, in their home in Orland. She was born Aug. 4, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nev., to Phillip Wayne Smith and Annabelle (Merkle) Smith. Debbie graduated from Bucksport High School in 1977, marrying her high school sweetheart then moving away to fulfill his Navy obligation and having their only child, Jereme. 1981 brought them, with their precious one and a half year old son, back to Maine. Raising Jer until school age was Deb’s primary concern. After that the need to work brought her to, as many know, The Gateway in Bucksport. Clerk, night manager, and accounts receivable, being only some of her many duties in nearly a decade. A career change saw Debbie setting a lofty goal. Two and a half years of working everyday and going to school five nights a week brought her half way to that goal. In 1997, she completed her training by graduating from Eastern Maine Technical College in the top of her class and obtaining her Journeyman Electrician License. Many hours of hard work, studying and training with the help of special friend, Ron Fortier brought Deb to her goal. In 2000, she advanced to master electrician. She founded H.E.R.S. (Home Electric Repair Service) and started to build the business that she had only dreamed of. Through H.E.R.S., Debbie made innumerable friends, from The Fantastic Family at Gilman Electric, especially a great friend, Karen, to the large amount of customers who Deb did her best to please- no matter how big or small their project may be. “Somebody needs to do it” was a common comment. The entire crew of Central Maine Power were also considered fond friends. Everyone that ever had the chance to meet Debbie, on whatever level, will never forget her infectious smile, her bubbly attitude, the twinkle in her eyes, and her genuine need to care for everyone. Debra is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Greg, of Orland; her son, Jereme and his companion, Amanda, of Old Orchard Beach; Bill and Julie Gray of Belfast; her mother, Anna Pinkham and special step-father, Victor Pinkham, of Bucksport; father, Phillip Wayne Smith of Lanette, Ala.; Christie and Peter Wood of Belfast; Sherri and Michael Roi of Bucksport; Linda and Herbert Silsby of Bucksport; Lauri Chavaree and her special friend, Dale Lingley of Woodland; Alexander and Mary Ciampi of Standish; Dawn Hanson of Winterport; Lucinda and Chris Hocking of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Tracy and George Bennett of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Erika Pinkham and her special friend, Terry Swanson, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Kathryn Pinkham and her special friend, Jason Boal, of Santa Monica, Calif.; Vanessa and Brett Griswold of Ann Arbor, Mich.; 16 nephews, 10 nieces, two great-nephews, one great-niece, several aunts, uncles, cousins; many special friends. She was predeceased by her special in-laws, Don and Judy Gray of Castine. Visitation for family and friends will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2005, at the Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. A funeral service will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at the Franklin St. United Methodist Church, Bucksport, with Pastor Peter Remick officiating. In lieu of flowers, an account has been established at Seaboard Federal Credit Union in Greg Gray’s name, P.O. Box G, Bucksport, ME 04416, and donations will be gratefully accepted.
DEBRA K. GRAY
