Kenneth J. Gray

Kenneth J. Gray
Born	(1924-11-14) 14 November 1924 West Frankfort, Illinois, U.S.
Died	12 July 2014(2014-07-12) (aged 89) Herrin, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, legislator
Years active	1955–1974, 1985–1989 (U.S. House of Representatives)
Known for	U.S. Representative for Illinois; entrepreneur; World War II veteran

Kenneth James Gray (November 14, 1924 – July 12, 2014) was an American entrepreneur and legislator. A veteran of World War II, he served as a representative for Illinois in the United States House of Representatives from 1955 until 1974 and then again between 1985 and 1989.

Early life and education

Gray was born in West Frankfort, Illinois and completed his studies at local institutions, graduating from Frankfort Community High School. At the age of 13, he established Gray's Roller Rink, overseeing all aspects of its management. By 16, he had become an auctioneer, and at 18, he acquired Gray Motors, a car dealership which he ran until 1954.

World War II

In January 1943, Gray joined the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War. His service included assignments with the Twelfth Air Force across North Africa and Europe as well as with the combat engineers attached to the Fifth Army in Italy. He attained the rank of first sergeant before his discharge in December 1945.

According to biographical accounts, Gray was appointed as driver to General Dwight D. Eisenhower at Greenham Common air base prior to the Normandy invasion. He is captured in a famous photograph featuring Eisenhower addressing troops, underscoring his proximity to pivotal military events.

His military decorations include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Post-World War II

Following his military service, Gray took active roles in veterans’ organizations, serving as commander for Southern Illinois within the American Legion and holding the position of Vice President for the Illinois chapter of the Jaycees. These roles helped him build connections instrumental to his future political career. He trained as both an airplane and helicopter pilot and operated an air service based in Benton, Illinois from 1948 through 1952.

In 1950, Gray sought the Democratic nomination for a U.S. House seat but was defeated by Kent E. Keller, who subsequently lost in the general election. Gray did not contest again in 1952. In 1953, he co-established the Walking Dog Foundation for the Blind, a nonprofit dedicated to providing guide dogs for people with visual impairments.

Congress

In 1954, Gray secured the Democratic nomination by defeating Bishop and was elected to serve in the 84th Congress. He was reelected nine times and served continuously from January 3, 1955, until his resignation on December 31, 1974. Known for his distinctive flair—characterized by brightly colored permed hair and vibrant clothing—Gray was a memorable figure among his congressional peers.

He played a leading role in transforming Washington, D.C.'s Union Station into the National Visitor Center as part of preparations for the United States Bicentennial. Despite its high costs and design challenges, it opened in time for the 1976 celebrations before undergoing subsequent redevelopment.

As a senior member of the Public Works Committee, Gray successfully obtained more than $7 billion in federal funding for infrastructure projects within his district. These included interstate highways, dams such as Rend Lake, housing developments, and facilities like the Marion Penitentiary. Often referred to as the "Prince of Pork," he justified these expenditures as essential infrastructure investments that prevented millions of dollars in flood damage.

An enthusiastic amateur magician, Gray frequently performed at community gatherings and used his magic skills to engage fellow legislators; notably, during a 1956 House speech, he demonstrated potential threats to the Interstate Highway System through a theatrical flower trick. His public image extended to appearances on television game shows such as To Tell the Truth and I've Got a Secret.

During his tenure in Congress, Gray resided on a houseboat. In the mid-1970s, media reports linked him to controversies involving staff behavior and extravagant parties; although he denied any misconduct, he chose not to run for reelection in 1974. His successor was Paul Simon. After leaving Congress, Gray engaged in business endeavors including operating Ken Gray's Antique Car Museum.

Return to Congress

In 1984, Simon pursued a seat in the United States Senate. Meanwhile, Gray secured election to the 99th and 100th Congresses, serving from January 3, 1985, to January 3, 1989. Upon his return, Gray became recognized for his deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and House regulations. Drawing on experience gained as an auctioneer, he often took on the role of presiding officer in the House. His approach was widely commended across party lines for its diplomacy and impartiality.

Gray chose not to run for another term in 1988 after developing a muscular condition resulting from a tick bite he received during a congressional trip to Brazil.

Retirement and death

After retiring, Gray resided in West Frankfort and established a museum showcasing his political artifacts and keepsakes. In 1999, he experienced a stroke that affected his speech and caused paralysis on his right side.

He passed away on July 12, 2014, in Herrin, Illinois, at the age of 89. His final resting place is East Fork Cemetery located in West Frankfort.

Family

During the Second World War, Gray married Gwendolyn June Croslin. Together they had three children: Diann, Becky, and James; their son James died before Gray. Gwendolyn passed away in 1995. Subsequently, Gray married Reverend Margaret "Toedy" Holley-Gray, who survived him.

Legacy

The federal building housing the United States courthouse and post office in Benton, Illinois bears the name Kenneth Gray Federal Building. In 2008, the post office in West Frankfort was also dedicated in his honor, while Governor Rod Blagojevich named a stretch of Interstate 57 the "Ken Gray Expressway."

That year also saw the creation of the Ken Gray Scholarship at John A. Logan College, aimed at assisting Franklin County students pursuing education at Southern Illinois University. Gray’s life story was detailed in the 2009 biography Pass the Plate: The Legend & Legacy of United States Congressman Kenneth J. Gray, authored by Maxine Pyle and Marleis Trover.

In 2016, Gray’s widow closed the Ken Gray Museum and donated his collection of memorabilia to Morthland College. Following the college’s closure in 2018, the location of these items became uncertain amid reports involving theft and an FBI investigation.

External links

• Kenneth J. Gray 1924-2014 at YouTube.com, uploaded by Steve Grzanich, July 14, 2014
• Family remembers the life of Congressman Ken Gray at YouTube.com, Giacomo Luca (KFVS-TV), uploaded July 16, 2014