Willard Avery Gray III died on November 12, 2022 in Apopka, Fl at 63 years young, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Laddie was born February 17, 1959 in Hamden, CT. He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley Gray, and granddaughter, Eleni Wachter – CT, wife, Beth Otworth-Gray, bonus family Amanda (Casey Moore) Smith, Ashley (Giles) Platt, Jeff Otworth and grandchildren Aislynn Smith, Matthew Smith, Jonas Platt, and Avalyn Platt – FL, Sister, Elizabeth Avery (Guy) Finoia – CT. Cousin Louise Callahan – CT. He was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Elizabeth Gray, and stepson, Dustin Lonardo.
Laddie graduated from Hamden High in 1977 and immediately joined the automotive industry, where he continued to work throughout his life. Some of his best memories included time with family and visiting Maine for snowmobiling with his best friend, Wayne Tiernan. He relocated to Florida in 2008. Laddie was a kind, generous and caring man with a big heart. He was always ready with a helping hand and a few jokes. He had an affinity for skydiving, with many dives during his lifetime. You could always find Laddie hanging out with his many close friends at a range of activities from golfing, NASCAR races and car events, on his motorcycle cruising or doing anything outside. He loved to be out and active with his friends and family.
Details of a memorial service in both Connecticut and Florida will be forthcoming after the new year.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
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