Robert Lynn “Dancing Bob” Gray

Robert Lynn “Dancing Bob” Gray, 75, of Troy, Montana, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 15, 2024. 

Bob was born in Temple, Texas on Nov. 3, 1948, to Juanita Inez Smart Gray and Jack Thomas Gray. He grew up in Killeen, Texas and attended school there. 

After graduation, a few years later, he joined the United States Navy and served three years, 11 months and 29 days, before his Honorable Discharge. Around 1994-95, Bob decided to come to Montana to become a "Mountain Man." He always said it was one of the best things he had done. 

Bob’s biggest regret was having to leave his daughter, Lauren, back in Texas with her mother. She made two trips to come visit while he was living in the Silver Butte area in a cabin without modern amenities. He spent a lot of time while living there, hiking and hunting the mountains. 

On one of those mountains, he had a “shelter” that he would stay in for weeks at a time away from his cabin. Eventually, he moved into Libby. Bob took up the art of flint knapping, making arrow points and knife blades. He attended many of the rendezvous, where he met Tom Oar and they started making knives together.

Bob was known in Libby for his dancing, being called “Dancing Bob.” When the pandemic hit, Bob left Libby and moved to the Lake Creek area outside of Troy. He continued his flint knapping and making of arrows and bows. He used these to harvest his food every fall. Bob was determined to be an independent person, right to the very end. 

He will be missed by many and remembered by many more.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Lauren Gray Parsons (Brandon); his brother, Roger (Bobbie); three grandchildren, Colton, Lily and Kennedy; his companion, Wanda and many close and very dear friends. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.