BREMEN – Kenneth “Bokey” Darrell Gray, 77, of Bremen, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Opal Anderson Gray; his brothers, George, Harold, and James Gray; and his sister, Shirley Smith.
Bokey is survived by his daughter, Jenny Beth (Chad) Gray; his cherished grandchildren, Ashtynn (James) Kalso, Kailey (Joshie) Jones, and Madden Jones; his great-grandson, Owen Kalso; his sister, Clatie Bean; as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
After graduating high school in 1967, Bokey proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Stationed in places such as Scotland, Ireland, and England, he worked hard to earn the rank of Petty Officer at just 19 years old—a milestone he held as one of his proudest achievements. Following his naval service, Bokey dedicated 32 years of hard work as an electrician in the Peabody Coal Mines, where his brothers on the shift affectionately knew him as “Bird.”
Beyond his hard work, Bokey was a man of distinct passions. He was an avid collector, building an impressive treasury of Western memorabilia and a legendary collection of baseball cards—centered around his deep love for the New York Yankees and Mickey Mantle. A classic car enthusiast, he took great pride in his two Corvettes, a red ’65 and ’71 convertible. On warm days, he could almost always be found outdoors, mowing and taking pride in a perfectly manicured lawn.
Bokey was a simple, grounded man who felt most like himself in jeans and a pair of Converse, enjoying mornings having breakfast and catching up with his closest buddies. Yet above every hobby, treasure, and accomplishment, Bokey’s whole heart belonged to his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he leaped at every single chance to spend time with his precious family. Though Bokey is no longer present on this earth, his humor, joy, and love live on in those he held most dear.
Funeral services will be Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00AM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Bro. Geroge Gray officiating. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in South Carrollton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8PM and Friday after 8:00AM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
