Joel Gray

Joel Eldon Gray, age 56, born March 7, 1966 died suddenly and unexpectedly on January 1, 2023. Joel was born in Murray, Utah and joyfully received into the loving arms of his parents Edwin "Ed" and Arleen M. Gray on March 11, 1966. His sisters, Lynnette and Cathy, were ecstatic to finally have their little brother. His favorite bedtime story was about his adoption.
Joel was a rough and tumble boy who often had bumps and bruises to show for his adventures. Ed loved motorcycles and Joel did too. He learned to ride when he was six and always had at least one motorcycle, including his first, from then on. He will be remembered by his cousins as the "Great Joeldini" who amazed us with the magic tricks he worked to perfect. Joel developed a love for cooking as a teen that lasted throughout his life. He had an inquisitive mind and followed his Dad’s love for learning and reading. Joel graduated from Bountiful High School in 1984 and from the University of Utah with a BS in Finance in 1988. He knew something about nearly everything and could carry on a meaningful conversation with anyone.
Joel worked at Intermountain Harley-Davidson for 25 years. He was the Parts Manager at South Valley Harley-Davidson at the time of his death. He was an invaluable employee who memorized parts catalogs and used his computer knowledge to manage inventory. Joel was a mentor to many and a friend to all. While he never owned a Harley (he preferred BMW's) he was part of the Harley family.
Joel collected vintage film cameras, first edition books, bicycles, watches and more. He loved animals, especially the shop cats, and was the best pet sitter for Cathy and Lisa's 'furkids'. We will miss his quick wit, sarcastic sense of humor, the trivia he shared, and the stories he told. Joel had a gift for remembering details and events from the past.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sisters: Lynnette (David) Hughes and Cathy Gray (Lisa Eskelson); eight nieces and nephews: Katie Eves, Don Hughes, Jared Hughes, Aaron Hughes, Stacie Hughes, Carlie Ni, Ericka Hughes, Melynda Hughes; and 19 great nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Sunday January 15, 2023 beginning at 3 pm at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, UT. A celebration of Joel's life will follow from 4-5 pm. His cremains will be interred at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joel's name to the Ed & Arleen Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund (Checks made payable to "Ed & Arleen Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund" and sent to Cathy Gray 2078 E 10140 S, Sandy, UT, 84092-4043), Best Friends Animal Society ( https://support.bestfriends.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=memorial_gift&_ga=2.156144571.1836537960.1673316840-1248157256.1664998645 ), or Primary Children's Hospital ( http://giving.intermountainfoundation.org/pc ).
We would be especially grateful if you would share your thoughts and memories of Joel, and if you would tell us how he influenced your life. We would love to know more about our little brother and for you to know him better too. May he rest in peace.

The service will be livestreamed on the Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Goff-Mortuary-116988261695382/
(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)