Gerald “Jerry” Gray, of Canadian Lakes and Big Rapids, Michigan, passed away September 2, 2026,  after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85.

Born July 27, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, Jerry built a life defined by professional excellence, physical resilience, and deep family ties. He earned an associate degree in highway technology from Ferris State University in 1963 and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University. He was one of a select group of professionals licensed in Michigan as both a Professional Engineer and a Professional Surveyor. For a time, he also taught surveying and building construction at Ferris State University.

In 1971 Jerry founded Mid-Michigan Engineering & Survey Co. in Big Rapids, a firm he owned and led for more than five decades. The company provides civil engineering, land surveying, and related structural inspection services across lower Michigan. Although recently sold, the business continues on in his honor, name and legacy, to carry forward the passion he had for his work.

Jerry’s competitive spirit and love of sport were lifelong. In the 1980s he coached the Ferris State University racquetball team, served as vice chairman of the American Collegiate Racquetball Association, and helped organize national collegiate championships and Midwest regionals. His teams competed at a high level, including a second-place national finish. He also completed the Chicago Marathon (1989) and New York City Marathon (1990).

In the spirit of adventure, beginning in 1989, Jerry and his family began a tradition of backpacking the mountains of the American West, including Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon. His adventures included climbing 14ers in Colorado and ascending Grand Teton with his son Craig. Additionally, he served as a volunteer for the Continental Divide Trail Alliance, helping map the continental divide trail. This backpacking tradition continued for over three decades and is carried on by his family today.

After surviving multiple heart attacks beginning at age 39, Jerry devoted himself to rebuilding his health. When he met Liberty, they made that work a shared mission—one that became a lasting part of his legacy. In 2007 they opened FitnessXT, Michigan’s first kettlebell-dedicated gym. With his natural ability to teach, many in his “fitness family” came to know and love him as “Cardiac Conan.” He will be remembered for his belief in others and for inspiring people far and wide never to let age or perceived ability stand in the way of their goals.

Jerry competed in Kettlebell Sport into his 80s, setting both U.S. and several World records in the Master’s divisions, where he represented the United States internationally, and remained one of the oldest active competitors in the sport until just a few years ago when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jerry first married Kathleen ‘Kathy’ (Lee) Gray (later Babbin) with whom he had five children. Since 1999 he has been married to Liberty Gray, who survives him. He was a devoted father to Gerald R. Gray, Craig Gray, Beth Klein, Marci Purcey, and David Gray and a stepfather to Jordan Rohlinger (son of Liberty). He also delighted in his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And special mention of the son not by blood, but by choice, David Werschay.

Jerry approached life with determination, humor, and an insistence that it was never too late to improve. He will be remembered as a builder of businesses and of people, a coach, an engineer who left his mark on the Michigan landscape, and a man who refused to let setbacks define him. And, to his students, he wore his huge heart on his sleeve.

He is survived by his wife Liberty; sister Sharon Gray, children Gerald R. Gray and (Jamie), Craig Gray and (Susie), Beth Klein and (David), Marci Purcey and (Tim)], and David and (Kendra) Gray, Jordan Rohlinger and (Molly), David Wershay and (Mollie); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Dorothy Gray.

Visitation will be held at Mohnke Janowicz Family Funeral Home, 128 S Warren Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307 on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4 – 7 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Janowicz Family Funeral Home, 469 W Wheatland Ave, Remus, MI 49340, on September 19, 2026, with visitation from 10 – 10:45 a.m., and service at 11:00 a.m. A slideshow and walk through of highlights of Jerry’s Life with light hors d'oeuvre to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://alz.org) or Corewell Hospice (https://corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/continuing- care/hospice-care)