>From the Oakdale Leader August 12, 1937 Page 4 Transcribed by Wendy Watson - queeny@iname.com or cuzwendy@pacbell.net 21 August 2001 for Chris Sawyer - reywas@bossig.com Newt Gray, Pioneer Grocer, Dead Newton Booth Gray, pioneer of the Oakdale district and for many years in the grocery business here, died Friday night at his home on F Street, after an illness of about six months. The deceased has been confined to his home since a heart attack, and for the past few months has been constantly attended by members of the family. Deceased was a native of the Oakdale district. He was born June 8, 1871 on the old Gray ranch five miles east of Oakdale, and received his early education in the district schools. Starting farming in 1891 with his brother they operated successfully until 1905 when he moved to Oakdale and with his brother, William R. opened a general merchandise business on East Railroad avenue. The store did a tremendous business in the early days, Newt's geniality and high integrity being an important factor in building it up. In 1919 William retired and Newt continued to operate the grocery with his son Charles for about eight years. Later Charles took over the business and Newt engaged in the cattle business. In the meantime the Gray's had disposed of the Gray ranch with the exception of 320 acres, which Newt used for his stock business as well as another tract which he purchased near Cooperstown. After coming to Oakdale Newt was married to Miss Maud Drew who with two children, Mrs. Alice Sawyer and Charles Gray, all of Oakdale survive. Left also to mourn his passing are two brothers, William R. Gray of Oakdale and Frank T. Gray of Santa Cruz. Deceased belonged to only one lodge, the Modesto Elks. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Community Methodist church, with Rev. A.M. Cottingham in charge. There were many beautiful floral offerings. /Transcribers notes, I missed the next line fully - but looks to say where interment was /interment is at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, Oakdale, Stanislaus Co, California /photos of headstone in my file /obit in my file - no photo /Oakdale Museum has photos in their files that I have ordered