Zane grew up on a homestead ranch with no electricity or running water, 20 miles outside of Meeker near the Thornburgh Battleground. He was the youngest of seven children. The home ranch was worked without motorized machinery for many years.
Zane was graduated from Rio Blanco High School, where he was active in sports and excelled in FFA and the industrial arts. He greatly cherished the members of his graduating class of 33 members and has always maintained those friendships.
Zane married his sweetheart, Jacklyn Bath, June 4, 1955, in Vernal. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on July 23, 1993. Zane and Jacky are the parents of five children: Zane Roger Gray II (Iris), Casey Joe Gray (Alene), Kathy Gray, Glen Gray (deceased) and Maelyn Melville (Michael), 24 grandchildren and 12 (soon to be 14) great-grandchildren.
Zane thoroughly enjoyed people and visiting with everyone he met, whether it was the nurse at the hospital, the people he saw on his daily run to the post office and The Top Stop for his drink mug refill, his many friends, people standing in line with him or a waitress or family. Usually, he was good for a laugh or two, even if the joke was on him. He was truly interested in each person and what was happening in their lives. He had the wonderful ability to make others feel valued and at ease because he respected and valued everyone.
He loved hunting and was fortunate to be raised and trained by an outstanding hunting guide. He also enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. Zane coached Little League baseball, fondly encouraging every team member. For many years, he bowled and not only became good at it, but also became an officer in the Men’s Bowling Association.
One of his greatest delights was working with the young men of his church. Zane and Jacky were able to travel much of the United States, Europe and South America to pick up their missionary sons and to visit their children and grandchildren. He hated flying, so insisted on driving if at all possible.
A successful businessman, Zane started Zane’s Oilfield Service, which he owned and operated in several states for more than 30 years. He diligently strove to achieve perfection in his work and to never have to repeat a job for a customer. This earned him a fine reputation in all he did. He always worked right alongside his crew members, never asking them to do anything he wasn’t willing to share with them. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren by working along side them and teaching them the importance of a job well done.
Zane’s family is very grateful for the legacy and reputation he left. They want to express their gratitude to all who have shared love, support and prayers for them at this time.
Funeral services for Zane were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the Glines Stake Center, 78 South 2000 West, Vernal, Utah.
Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValley FuneralHome.com
