BROWARD NAVY DAYS REMEMBERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARY ANNE GRAY
To contact Broward Navy Days: J.W. Arnold, 202-528-1275 cell, jw@prdconline.com
Broward Navy Days, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-federal entity. There is no official Department of Defense or government agency endorsement. Images do not represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Department of Defense or any other United States government agency.
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state, 800-435-7385. Registration does not imply endorsement. www.FDACS.gov
Broward Navy Days, Inc. and the entire South Florida community mourn the sudden death of Mary Anne Gray on July 2, 2020 of complications from a stroke.
As president and executive director of Broward Navy Days, Inc., the local nonprofit that organizes Ed Morse Automotive Group Fleet Week Port Everglades each year, Mary Anne was a tireless advocate for the men and women of our seagoing armed services. She was highly regarded by officers and civilian leaders at the highest levels of both the Navy and Coast Guard. Last summer, she chaired the commissioning of the U.S.S. Paul Ignatius at Port Everglades.
An environmental activist and pioneer for women in the maritime industry, Mary Anne led the Manatee Survival Foundation in South Florida before being elected commissioner, and later chair, of the Port Everglades Authority in 1992. More recently, she was an active member of the Port Everglades Association, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County Councils of the Navy League, and the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA). Mary Anne was a dedicated mentor to young women and an inspiration to all.
ARRANGEMENTS
The board of Broward Navy Days, Inc. is working closely with her family and the Coast Guard to plan a committal of Mary Anne’s ashes at sea in coming weeks. More info will be posted at Facebook.com/BrowardNavyDaysInc and our website, BrowardNavyDaysInc.org, as it becomes available. We do have plans to livestream the ceremony.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public gathering restrictions, a public memorial service will be postponed until a later date when safety allows.
VIDEO TRIBUTES
As a way to memorialize Mary Anne and her legacy, Broward Navy Days, Inc. is seeking short 60 – 90 second videos from military, friends and colleagues to be included in a tribute video shared on social media and at the memorial service. The videos can be recorded using a mobile phone camera. Submit videos to jw@prdconline.com by August 15. More info and technical specifications can be found at BrowardNavyDaysInc.org.
MEMORIAL DONATIONS in lieu of flowers
The board of Broward Navy Days, Inc. has established the Mary Anne Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund and is now accepting contributions in any amount. Checks can be mailed to:
Mary Anne Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund
Broward Navy Days, Inc.
1710 SW 22nd Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312