Stanley J. McGray

SKOWHEGAN – Stanley J. McGray, 80. It is with great sadness that we announce that Stan went home to be with the Lord on his favorite holiday, Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. He was surrounded by many family and friends at his side, and his partner in crime, his cockapoo Max, at his feet.

Stan was born in Skowhegan on Nov. 25, 1944, the son of Cecil T. and Jarvis O. (Kenney) McGray. He received his education in Skowhegan and became extremely successful within the same community. After Stan was finished with school, he went to work at a local chicken farm, Arbor Acres Farm, where he quickly realized that he did not want to work for somebody else, he wanted to be his own boss. From there, Stan first took over Bean’s Taxi in Skowhegan in the early 1970s, later naming it Stan’s Taxi. After taking over the taxi company, he owned two gas stations in the community in the 1980s. In 1987, Stan began his biggest accomplishment, opening Stan’s French Fries, fulfilling his wish to “travel and not stay in one place all the time.” Doing so allowed for Stan to travel to his favorite fairs, beginning with Bangor State Fair which was his first ever stop. Annually, Stan attended the Houlton Agricultural Fair, the Skowhegan State Fair, the Dover-Foxcroft Fair, Springfield Fair, Blue Hill Fair, Clinton Fair, North New-Portland Fair, Farmington Fair, and ending each season at the Fryeburg Fair.

In 1999, Stan’s business was threatened by a fire at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Despite losing both of his french fry stands, a Chevy pickup truck, and a camper to the grandstand fires, Stan came back resilient and persevered, bringing his business back more successfully than ever before. Skowhegan State Fair was Stan’s hometown fair, being in the community that he was proud of and loved so thoroughly.

Stan was a proud member of the Skowhegan Lions Club and Skowhegan Elks Lodge. When Stan was not attending the fairs, he was busy in the community plowing snow in the winter for local businesses and doing anything he could to help them. He was an extremely active member of the community.

Toni was always fond of Stan even at a young age, and it was love at first sight for Toni. After being neighbors for many years, Stan and Toni spent 34 years together making incredible memories. Together they raised her daughter, and later their grandson, Joey. They spent many fair seasons together and went on many road trips to Daytona Beach, Fla., amongst many other incredible trips and memories.

Stan was a proud father figure to his grandson, Joseph Stanley Godin. He raised Joey his entire life, being the biggest supporter in his life and being extremely proud of him. Stan attended several basketball games, wrestling matches, and birthday parties, Joey’s 8th grade graduation, Joey’s high-school proms, and his high school graduation. Despite many health issues in the last year, Stan was resilient and fought hard to make it to his wedding. Being discharged from the hospital the night before the wedding, Stan was able to attend and watch Joey and Kaylee’s vows. Most recently, Stan attended their gender reveal, where Stan found out that he was going to have a great-grandson, Jackman Leon Stanley Godin. It was important to Joey to use Stan’s name, which is indicative of the incredibly close relationship that Stan and Joey shared. Stan trusted Joey to be by his nana’s side in life and in the business that will continue to go on in Summer of 2025.

Stan had many friends within the community and the fairs that we would like to thank for their love and support.

Stan had many close friends, but his closest friend was Tracy Reece. Tracy has spent the last eight fair seasons by Stan’s side, helping him move from fair to fair and making many memories like going to Brandon Berry’s boxing matches, going for rides around town, going to races, and going to Mt. Washington together. In the last year, Tracy spent each day with Stan and Toni in the hospital and going to every appointment, he never left Stan’s side. After Stan’s passing, Tracy went to a local business and got a memorial tattoo for Stan, showing a clear reflection of how close Tracy and Stan were. Tracy looked up to Stan and highly respected him wholeheartedly and turned to Stan for his support and advice to make decisions.

He was predeceased by his parents; grandparents; aunt Bea and uncle Mike; cousin, Carolyn Bowring; and his brothers Charles McGray and George Kelley.

Stan is survived by his partner of 34 years, Toni Godin; stepdaughter, Melissa Godin; grandsons Joseph S. Godin with his wife Kaylee Godin, Matthew Godin, and Jonathan Godin; close friend, Tracy Reece; sister, Rosemarie Crockett with her partner Bill; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family of Stan invites you to a memorial service at the Skowhegan Federated Church on Saturday Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. There will be a celebration of life to follow the service at the Tewksbury Hall behind the church, this will be a potluck event. We welcome you to bring your favorite dish and your favorite memory of Stan to share.

The family would like to thank the community for all the love and support that they have shown since Stan’s passing. The immense number of messages, calls, and visits have meant so much to the family and have been a clear reflection of what an incredible person Stan was.

Please visit Stan’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/stanley-mcgray where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.