GRAY, Frank, 85, of Thonotosassa, Fla., passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2009. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II, and retired as a captain, with the City of Tampa Fire Department. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Rose Mary; his sons, Dennis and his wife, Cheryl, and David and his wife, Shari; his daughters, Suzy and her husband, Norm, and Patricia and her husband, Danny; five grand-children, Dani, Sami, Jason, Chris and Randi; and two great-grandchildren, Mykala and Abbey. The family will receive friends 4-6 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2009, at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home. A chapel service will be conducted by the Rev. Tony Weaver at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2009, at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, in Brandon. Special thanks to Home Instead Senior Care and LifePath Hospice-The Melech House. If you wish, please donate to LifePath Hospice.

Published by TBO.com from 9/12/2009 - 9/13/2009

The following was found on http://www.poorhousestory.com/poorhouses_in_florida.htm

NOTES FROM READERS:

"I was born in a poorhouse -- no kidding! (Actually, I was born in a hospital, but we were living at the poorhouse.) About 1920, my father was appointed Superintendent of Hillsborough Co., Fla. Poor Farm/Poorhouse/County Farm -- know by all those names.  I had 4 brothers and 1 sister. I came along in 1924. (am now 76). The family lived there until 1932. Our home was a 2 story frame house. There were 3 dormitories. [One for white males, one for black males and a red brick 2-story for females.] Our family moved inside the city limits then. I was 8 years of age.

Yes, there was a (Paupers) cemetery on the property . There were cement markers, about 4" X 8" about 10" high. I do not remember if there were any names. The Hillsborough County Parks Department is now in charge of all cemeteries/records."