Mr. Richard Harold Gray Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

RICHARD HAROLD GRAY May 20, 1953-April 28, 2019 A kind man. A man of kindness whose personal life philosophy was "If I help enough people get what they need, then I'll have everything I'll ever need." He lived his life freely and touched so many people in different walks of life. Feel blessed, protected and inspired by God's newest angel. A message from Joan- Rich loved to laugh and would be pleased if you shared your stories and adventures of him. My love shared his life with so many others, and it is my wish to keep his final sendoff private with family. Rich's Journey- Rich made his journey beyond on April 26, 2019 and is survived by his wife Joan of 46 years, daughter Dawn, two grandchildren Madison and Gray and of course the St. Louis Eagles Basketball Club and players. A servant for the community for which he grew up and loved, he served as the Public Safety Director for the City of St. Louis and President of the Board of Police Commissioners. Rich was also the CEO of the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and made his home for 17 years with Keefe Group, a subsidiary of Centric Group. Rich served as the President of the Western Region for Keefe Group and was only one of 2 people in over 35 years to receive the coveted Jack Taylor Award in 2006. Rich loved many people but often shared his admiration for his boss Doug Albrecht at Keefe Group who charged Rich with the mission of embracing Keefe Group with diversity. Rich was the first African American General Manager of a radio station in the St. Louis Area and made a bold move to change one of his station's format to 24-hour sports radio. The first in the St. Louis market, his station KASP 1380 AM emerged and ranked #3 for all sports radio in the nation. Rich was the first African American General Sales Manager for KMOX 1120 AM-CBS Radio and worked as an account manager for KMOX -TV, CBS. Rich served two years as a police officer for the City of Berkely and as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard with the United States Navy. He was proud to share his story with family and friends as a participant in major details such as President Nixon's last day at the White House guarding Nixon's exit upon his Presidential helicopter. Rich also commanded the death watch for President Harry S. Truman in Independence, MO and President Herbert Hoover in Washington D.C. Rich loved mentoring and inspiring youth and served as a U.S. Olympic Coach for the 18-under Boys Basketball Junior Olympic Team, AAU National Championship Coach for both St. Louis Eagles Boys and Girls Teams and as the Founder of the St. Louis Eagles Basketball Club. Rich didn't necessarily love basketball, but he loved everything about basketball. From the players he mentored to the games he strategized to play, the tournaments he loved, the road trips, the laughs, the stories, and the memories he shared, basketball was Rich Gray. As a founder of the St. Louis Eagles Basketball Club, his love grew and transformed a girls program when he decided to coach his granddaughter. That team won the National Championship and Rich found a new love for girls basketball, expanding the program each year. The family will honor his life and legacy with a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, Rich and his family would be honored if donations were made to the St. Louis Eagles Basketball Club, c/o Girls Team. Donations may be mailed to 3842 Connecticut, St. Louis, MO 63116 or online at stleagles.com. Arrangements by Valhalla Funeral Chapel

Mr. Richard Harold Gray

May 20, 1953 - April 28, 2019