November 15, 1930 – September 13, 2016
AVON — Collins G. Gray, 85,entered into his final reward on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at his home andsurrounded by loving family. He was retired from the United StatesCoast Guard as a master chief boatswain mate and also a retiredcommercial fisherman. He was loved and respected for his strong faithand gentle love. He served on the board of Faith Life Worship Centerand was known as a friend to pastors and ministers over the decades ofhis service.
Collins is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Rebecca; two sonsand their wives, Collins Jr. and wife, Audrey, of Fayetteville, andBryan and wife, Mary Sue, of Avon.
He is survived by five married grandchildren, Crystal Brown andhusband, Jim, Jason Gray and wife, Sondra, Charlotte Riggle andhusband, Lucas, Bryan Jr. and wife, Kala, and Brittany Stowe andhusband, Charles.
He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Savanna Herndon andhusband, Tyler, Jasmine Hackett, Kyle Gray, Cale Brown, William Riggle,Grayson Riggle, Bentley Watson, and Reagan Watson; and onegreat-great-granddaughter, Skylar Herndon.
Collins is also survived by a sister-in-law (more like a daughter),Lois Miller, and husband, Dallas; a brother, Belton Gray and wife,Jane; a brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Gray and wife, Esta; and manyloving nieces and nephews.
Collins made the world a better place and, like Enoch of the Bible, he had this testimony “that he pleased God.”
A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Faith LifeWorship Center. Burial will take place at the Fred G. Gray familycemetery in Avon. The family will receive friends and relatives at thechurch on Friday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Life Worship Center, P.O. Box 130, Avon, NC 27915.
Twiford Funeral Home, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.
