Douglas Eugene Gray, 56, 113 Zillah St., Celina, died at 5:50 p.m. Sept. 17, 2009, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to complications from multiple sclerosis (MS).

He was born Dec. 21, 1952, in Celina to Richard L. Sr. and Verla Lee Miller Gray, who are deceased. On July 9, 2008, he married Connie Byrley, who survives.

Others survivors are two brothers, Richard L. Jr. (Cindy) Gray and Garry Allen Gray, all of Celina.

He was a deputy sheriff for Mercer County from 1975-1980. He also worked as a security guard for Motorola in Chandler, Ariz., and trained as a police officer prior to becoming disabled due to a stroke and MS. He was an artist and sold paintings while a resident of the Laurels of Shane Hill Nursing Home, Rockford. He was a 1971 graduate of Celina Senior High School, served as a gunners mate in the U.S. Navy for four years and toured the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion, Celina.

No visitation or services are planned.

Contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Arrangements were handled by W.H. Dick and Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina.