Roy L. Gray Jr.

He was a native ofHatteras. He was a retiree of J.M. Huber Corporation in Etowah and wasemployed by the Sundry Stores, Inc. for the past several years. To his employers and co-workers he displayed a work ethic second tonone.  He was committed to his work, always a team player, andalways willing to go beyond the call of duty.  He was a mentor,example, and deep personal friend to many of the young men who were hisco-workers.  His jovial personality brought much fun and laughterto those with whom he was privileged to work.

He followed thetradition of his family by joining the U.S. Coast Guard as a young manand serving his county for 11 years. He was a member of the ClevelandCycle Club and rode throughout the United States on his HondaGoldwing.  He was a very active member of North Etowah BaptistChurch.  His love for his lord, his church, and his fellowman wasoften displayed by his desire to help those in need. As arepresentative of his church and many times at his own expense, he andseveral others made numerous trips to Mexico to help build houses forthose in poverty and to share the hope that is in Christ.  He wasa member of a Disaster Relief team, helping after Hurricane Katrina andother natural disasters.  Through his church he was involved inmany mission activities both locally and in surrounding states. There was an incredible bond formed between those he served with onmission projects.  As many as three of his friends at a time wouldgo with him for his treatments, both for support and because theyenjoyed the fun and fellowship of being together.  Together theytraveled thousands of miles and they were surrounding him and hisfamily as he made his final journey for his eternal reward.

Hislife was a success. He gave more to life than he received, and hebrought fun and laughter to all who came in contact with him.

Royis the son of the late Roy Linvil Gray Sr. and Clarice Gray.  Heis preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Cox.

Survivorsinclude his wife, Mary Johnson Gray of Etowah; son, Gregory B. Gray ofEtowah; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and George Yoder of Etowahand the absolute joy of his life, granddaughter, Reagan Yoder ofEtowah; one sister and brother-in-law; Jeannie and Bill Crook of NorthCarolina; aunt, Aldeana Midgett of North Carolina, and other extendedfamily members.

A private burial will be held on Tuesday, March18. The family will have a Memorial Celebration of Life Service at 7p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at North Etowah Baptist Church. Visitationwill be from 4 until 7 p.m. prior to the service.   Brother Mark Wade and former pastor and dear, dear, friend Dr. GeraldAtkins will officiate.  Elwyn Vincent, Bobby Jones, Steve Goodner,James Janes, Linford Bull and Dale West will serve as activepallbearers. Sol Reagan, Jim Ferguson, Justin Morgan, Robin Hayes, J.Harold Smith, and Phil Waycaster will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorialcontributions can be made to North Etowah Baptist Church, 231Pennsylvania Ave, Etowah, TN 37331 or Gideons International P.O. Box 4,Athens, TN 37371, or the American Cancer Society c/o Faye Forgety, 120County Rd 447, Athens, TN 37303.