Curtis Vance Gray, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital in Aberdeen. Curtis was born on August 10, 1947, in Seattle, to parents Betsy Sterrenburg and James J.V. Gray. He graduated from Sealth High School and studied at Green River College.

Curtis worked at Bethlehem Steel, he was a used car salesman in Seattle and a registered general contractor with his company, Curtis V Gray General Construction. He also owned Ocean City Garage, where he did welding, and fabricating.

He was known for being in bands, as he played many instruments; Sealth High School, The Sierras, The Enchanters, Shakesphear, and Eyez. Curt was also very proud that when he was underage he played in many taverns and saloons along Pioneer Square in Seattle, and when he was in Eyez they performed at the Paramount Theater. Curtis was a recording artist with Eyez and Shakephear, as well as a solo artist. He also owned and ran recording studios.

Curtis loved racing his modified car with the Evergreen Auto Racing Association at Harbor Speedway. He really enjoyed tinkering with his cars.

He liked picking blackberries and would surprise his mother and sisters with baskets of them. Curtis loved Corvettes, convertibles, and blonds, and driving down the road in his convertible with his two Afghan hounds with their hair blowing in the wind, and from behind the car it would look like he had two girls with him.

Curtis enjoyed breeding horses with his company, Thunderhill Arabians. He was a past member of the National Equestrian Federation of the United States, the International Arabian Horse Association, and Arabian Horse Registry of America, Inc.

Surviving relatives include his mother, Betsy Sterrenburg, Ocean Shores; sisters: Terre Reeson (Jim), Centralia; BJ Fisher (Neal), Central Park; nieces: Angie Field (Tony), Hoquiam; Dani Reeson, Bladenboro, North Carolina; nephews: Ryan Eldred, Aberdeen; Kevin Eldred (Faith), Raymond; and many great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Curtis’ good friends and neighbors: Rick Anderson, Joe Schumacker and his sweet dog Lucy that kept Curtis on his toes, and Werner Moorenweiser.

He was preceded in death by his father, James J.V. Gray and grandparents: Gertrude Arliss, George Winchell and G.V. and Mary Gray.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.