HAYS — Roger A. Gray, 73, died Feb. 25, peacefully at his home with the loving care of his wife and Hospice of Hays Medical Center.

He was born April 7, 1937, in Winfield, to Melvin and Ahwilda (Rogers) Gray. He married Virginia Newlin on July 1, 1955, in Winfield. He attended high school in Dexter, and furthered his education attending Cowley County Community College and Fort Hays State University, earning a degree in education. After moving to Rush County in 1957 he taught school there for 10 years while successfully selling used cars on the side. He then decided to retire from teaching, and in 1967 he established the business of RAG Motors in La Crosse, selling used cars. Later the new car franchise for Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Buick was added, and ultimately RAG Motors was expanded to Hays and Arkansas City.

While living in La Crosse, Roger was active in community affairs. He served as president to the Lions Club, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Methodist Church and served a term as mayor of the city. After semi-retiring, he moved to Hays, closed the new car franchise, and continued his used car sales until January, 2011.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Virginia of the home in Hays; his sons, Jeff Gray of Colorado Springs, Colo., and David Gray and his wife Kristi of Hays; grandchildren, Greg Hartman of Del Norte, Colo., Alissa Gray of Wichita, Derek Gray and fiance Carissa Beilman of Hays, Keely and Sierra Gray of Colorado Springs, Colo., Kade and Keira Gray of Hays; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Howard Gray and his wife Lois of Pratt, Richard Gray and his wife Patricia of Winfield, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Franklin Joseph and Zane.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Hays. Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home at 20th and Pine in Hays. The casket will not be open at the church on Monday. On Tuesday, friends and relatives may call from 9-11 a.m. at the Miles Funeral Home in Winfield. Burial will then be in the Dexter Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his name with Hospice of Hays Medical Center, 2220 Canterbury, Hay, KS 67601. Condolences may be sent to the family at haysmemorial.com.