Willie Henry Gray

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 

I have a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Willie Henry Gray was born into this life June 5, 1947 as the oldest of his siblings to the late Willie C. “Dub” Gray and the late Emma Francis Atkinson Gray. 

He professed his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Christ Temple Holiness Church of Arkadelphia where he served in many capacities with a faithful servant’s heart. He was bestowed the highest honor in the Hall of Faith in recognition of his outstanding Christian leadership as demonstrated in his faith, character and limitless contributions.

He enlisted in the United States Army, July 1968 and served until August 1974. During his time in the Army, he earned a Commendations Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidents Citation and was promoted to Sergeant. He left the Army and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp Reserve and served from August 1974 until August of 1976. During his time in the Marines he received a Service Commendation Medal. He ended his military services by enlisting in the United States Army Reserve from September 1976 until May 1981. During his time in the Army Reserve, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

He received his formal education in Arkadelphia, Arkansas from Peake High School (Class of 1965). His post-secondary education was received while attending Henderson State University for a short while in 1966 and later attending Arkansas Baptist College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1974.

He was employed in various capacities until he began working for Environmental Management Services with Veteran Affairs until he retired. During employment for EMS he served as the AFGE Union Stewart. 

Willie was affectionately known for his charismatic smile and pleasant personality with a jokester spirit. Uncle Diddy, Gray Boy or simply ole Willie Gray is what he was called. He loved writing letters, riding on his scooter, and hanging out in his man cave working on his word search books, watching tv on his phone, and talking to whoever he deserved. He was a genuine soul who did not ever meet a stranger. He loved holding endless conversations and getting to know people. He was considered as the Pecan Lake neighborhood security guard as a result of his daily patrol.

Willie left his earthly home on June 24, 2024 to reside with our heavenly father. He is preceded in death by his parents Willie C. “Dub” Gray and Emma Francis Atkinson Gray, his siblings Clyde L. Gray, Ernest E. Gray, Charlotte A. Gray, and Jackie Gray, Sr. 

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Chanetta Johnson Gray, a step daughter Kymala Calloway, a sister Linda Purifoy of Arkadelphia, nephews – Duringus Gray, Keauntae Gray, Jackie Gray, Jr. of Arkadelphia; nieces - Rolunda Gray of West Helena, Jabrea Gray, Razheme Gray of Arkadelphia, Crystal (Jason) Smith of Dallas, Texas, Shirley Peterson of Pine Bluff, Raygan (Antonio) Metcalf of Bryant and Jessica Gray of Arkadelphia, and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Submitted by the Family

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8,  2024 at Christ Temple Cathedral Church of Christ (Holiness) USA, Senior Bishop Vernon E. Kennebrew and presiding Dr. Robert L. Hadley, Mount Harmony Missionarys Baptist Church, Pine Bluff.