Vernon Max Gray of Reston, Virginia, died Thursday morning, May 28, 2009, in the Sunrise at Reston Assisted Living Center in Reston at the age of 92 years.

Vernon Max Gray was born on August 17, 1916, in Newton, Kansas, to Clarence LeRoy and Minnie (Shuman) Gray. He grew up in Newton attending Newton Public Schools graduating in 1934. He then furthered his education by attending the University of Kansas before entering the United States Army Air Corps. He married Enoma Marie Fritch on September 6, 1942, in Stockton, California. Following his discharge he returned to college and received a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering in 1948. After graduation he began working for Reynolds Metals in Chicago, Illinois. He was later transferred to Kentucky, Arkansas and back to Chicago before moving to the corporate headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, where he was the director of quality control. His wife preceded him in death on July 16, 2005, and he continued to make Virginia his home. He was a member of the Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church. He also held membership in the Masonic Lodge and the Trinity Knights Templar.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Bumsted and husband Ted of Great Falls, Virginia; and two granddaughters, Jessica and Rachael Bumsted of Great Falls, Virginia.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers, Clarence, Gordon, Melvin, Robert and Clay Gray.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 4th in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Matt Smith of Immanuel Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.