Mr. Grays accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Elder Cox at the Pentecost Church of God in Christ in Lacey and joined the Masonic lodge of Hamburg, AR, in the early 60's. He later united with Mt. Olive AME Church in Lacey where he served faithfully as a steward and trustee until his health failed. He served under the leadership of both Rev. Jessie Washington and Rev. Karal Hammock.
He was the husband of Margaret Franklin Grays for 55 years and to this union were born six daughters. He worked to provide for his family for years in the logging business as a tree trimmer and a pulpwood contractor. Along with contracting, he was employed with Burlington Industries in the dye house and later worked with Steve Richardson Logging Company.
He was preceded in death by six brothers, Joe Lee Bailey, Issaac, Charles, Nunnie, Shelby, and Burl Grays; four sisters, Baby Nancy Grays, Vera Grays-Johnson, Elma Grays-Brooks and Geneva Simpson; and one grandson, Coleman Martell Sharp.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Margaret; six daughters, Brendia Franklin, Melissa Grays and Bridgett Grays Harris, all of Lacey, AR, Angela (Fred Lee) Sharp of Magnolia, AR, Marjorie (Donnie) Johnson of Monticello, AR and Joy Miller of Fountain Hill, AR; five sisters and brothers, Christine Patterson and Gracie Mathaney, Roy (Alma) Grays and Johnnie Ray (Peggy) Withers, all of Los Angeles, CA, and Bobbie Jean Miller of Fountain Hill, AR; seven grandchildren, Jodie, Derrick, Dr. Donnie Ray Jr., Cecily, William, Brandy, and Adam (Shomeka); two great grandchildren, Adam Coleman and Anescia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 6 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Fountain Hill with burial to follow in Lacey Cemetery. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(15)
Lois Simpson McCoy
Hayward, CA Tuesday, June 2, 2015 To the Grays FamilySorry for your Loss. May God keep his Loving hands on you during this time.
Jennifer Marter Gavin
Monticello, AR Monday, May 11, 2015 Bridgette I'm so sorry about the loss of you Daddy. I just found out about it and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.Lots of Love,
Jennifer Marter Gavin
brendiafranklin
fountain hill, AR Wednesday, May 6, 2015 now that you have finally been laid to rest, I'm filled with so many emotions. Happy for you because you gone to a better place, sad for me , for i won't be able to touch your lovely face; and the joy that you use to bring to our family.I'm so glad that my father up above help me realize that you are no longer in pain or suffering, but you are in our Fathers loving arms resting. I thank you for the memories, for there are so many which will lay in my spirit for ever. I also thank God for choosing you as my dad!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIP DIDDY,
LOVE BRENDIA ,{OLDEST DAUGHTER}
Shelby Williams
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Bridgett and Family:Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of your dad. I've been where you are right now. I'm a living witness that GOD will comfort you and give you strength now and in the days to come. Just remember Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia Spencer
Benton, AR Wednesday, May 6, 2015 My condolences go out to your family. May God keep the Grays Family. I am praying for your family in your bereavement hour.William Grays
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Dear paw paw you were so so good to me I can always count on you for everything you was always there for me when I needed you the most you were my back bone you would always have my back you kept everyone off me when I use to get in trouble we had some great memories that I would never forget whenever I have my own kids I'm going to tell them about how great of a man you where to me and my family you will always be in my heart I love u unconditionally continue to watch me and the family love u so much. May you rest in peace. Love you ,BubbaBrandy Martin
fountain hill, AR Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Paw-Paw, not only were you my pawpaw, but you were my father to; one thing for sure, and two things are for certain, your grandchildren were your world and we can say proudly that we had the best paw-paw, we love you and you will be missed!!!!!!Love Brandy
Brandy Martin
fountain hill, AR Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Paw-Paw, not only were you my pawpaw, but you were my father to; one thing for sure, and two things are for certain, your grandchildren were your world and we can say proudly that we had the best paw-paw, we love you and you will be missed!!!!!!Love Brandy
Brandy Martin
fountain hill, AR Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Paw-Paw, not only were you my pawpaw, but you were my father to; one thing for sure, and two things are for certain, your grandchildren were your world and we can say proudly that we had the best paw-paw, we love you and you will be missed!!!!!!Love Brandy
Joy miller
fountain hill, AR Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Words cannot express what I am feeling right now, your presence will truly be missed . I will always carry your memory in my heart!!!!!!!!!!RIP,
Love Joy{Shug}
Melissa Grays
fountain hill, AR Tuesday, May 5, 2015 To my pop-pop, I miss you so very much; I know you hadto leave me but I know it was time for you to go. When you get to heaven, save a spot for me.
love you,
Melissa
angela Grays-Sharp
Magnolia, AR Sunday, May 3, 2015 I will always LOVE you Diddy. I will always LOVE you. You were the very best father and grandfather which our family was so blessed to have.Carolyn Baker
MAGNOLIA, AR Sunday, May 3, 2015 PRAYING FOR ANGELA AND THE FAMILY.Paige Stell
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 3, 2015 Family - First, thank you so much for allowing me in your home to help you all care for such a sweet man. Second, what can I say except that he has to have been the easiest person to love. Mr. Grays quickly became close to my heart. Even on a rough day he gave me the sweetest smile, which made my day. He will be missed by me & so many others. He touched so many hearts. Of course we are all heartbroken, but we must keep in mind that he is doing everything he loves now without any pain & has all of his strength back. Cherish your memories and lean on each other and God. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead. Know you are not alone in this journey.Love,
Paige Stell
bridgett harris
fountain, AR Sunday, May 3, 2015 Diddy, what can I say, your were my everything; my best friend, my bridge over trouble water, my hero, but most of all, you were my father! For we know any man can be addressed as a dad, but a father stands strong, proud, and independent. A pillar in the community, when it came to helping someone, a very hard worker, when it came to supporting our family and having a very tender spirit when serving our Father. Love you, Your baby girl!!!! Bridgett