From the AJC, 10 Decx 2009:

GRAY, Owen


Owen V. Gray, 103, of East Point, GA passed away December 8, 2009. Mr. Gray moved from Griffin, GA to East Point, GA in 1949. While working as an airplane mechanic in 1946 he became interested in flying small aircraft. After taking lessons and receiving his pilot's license, he bought a Cessna. Mr. Gray and his wife flew on vacations, holidays, and weekends covering almost every state in the United States. Mr. Gray still had a license and continued to fly until age 96. Amazingly, just a month before his 100th birthday, while flying with a friend, he took the controls and made three perfect landings. Another friend was overheard saying "WOW! He's got it." In appreciation for his influence and help for so many learning to fly (some who are now Delta senior pilots) an airport was named for him on his 90th birthday. (West Georgia Regional Airport/ O.V. Gray Field. Carrollton, GA.) In addition to flying, Mr. Gray was an active vegetable gardener and was seen every spring planting. Since his wife of 67 years died in 1993, he cooked what he grew for himself and friends. He believes his long life and good health was a result of not drinking or smoking and eating healthy foods along with plenty of exercise. Of course he said lots of friends can't hurt either."

Mr Gray was the oldest man to ever hold a valid instructor's license. On his 99th birthday a group of his students gave a party for him, keynoted by commercial pilots flying for major carriers. Mr. Gray's response: " I don't know why you are doing this now, I want the celebration to be next year for the big One!" He was quite a man, and the nicest guy you could ever want to met.
Rest in peace, old friend, may you fly in fair winds and clear skies forever.