Carlos Ishmael Gray-Lion was born in Detroit on December 4, 1941. He passed away in Ann Arbor on December 18, 2023.
His parents Paul and Patricia Gray-Lion raised him in the ways and teachings of the Blue Clan of the Cherokee Nation. He was always eager to share this culture and philosophy and was an active participant in the Native American Student Association in college.
He was a proud music graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He attended The University of Michigan in both the School of Music and Engineering College. He held a variety of jobs in music and electronics and always found a way to incorporate his love of teaching in both fields. He co-founded Doya Video Systems in 1983 with Joanne Ladio who became his partner in life as well as in business. The last 17 years of his life were spent battling the effects of a major stroke and his efforts toward recovery proved his strength of mind.
He valued his time as part of Huron Valley PACE and attended their day program every week. He felt welcome and useful there and was grateful for their care. For the last year and a half, he resided at Linden Square Assisted Living in Saline. When he was able, he actively participated in the life of St. Barnabas Church in Chelsea and then became a regular attendee at their Zoom worship.
He is survived by Joanne and his daughters Diana Ladio, Rosanna, Julia, and Marion Gray-Lion, five grandchildren – Alexandria, Cana, Isaac, Christina, and Randy – and one great-grandson, Forrest, his sister Alycia, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial gathering was held at St. Barnabas Church on January 13, 2024 from 3-5pm with a short service at 3.30pm. Memorial contributions could be made to St. Barnabas in Chelsea, MI and to The MOX Project, Diana’s non-profit to bring the excitement of music to underserved schools.
Click here to watch the recording of Carlos' memorial service.
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