William J. Gray, who passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 29, 2026 surrounded by family.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
Born July 5, 1947 to the late Loran Sr. and Willie Mae Gray in Appling County, he graduated from Wayne County Training School in 1967.
He married Alzena Gray (Collins) in 1970 in Blackshear. From their union, they were blessed with three children and played an integral role in raising their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As a natural tradesman, he quickly found work at Gilman Paper Mill and SCI Construction until retirement. During that period, he expanded his skills as a jack of all trades, repairing all aspects of homes and cars, or honing master skills as a smoker of BBQ and fish fries. In his early years, he attended First African Baptist Church and later in life attended Greater St. James Temple where he dedicated his life to the Lord and made peace with God.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Loran Sr. and Willie Mae Gray, his brother, Loran Gray Jr. and sister, Shirley Gray Jackson.
Those left to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 56 years, Alzena Gray of Blackshear; two sons: Victor (Angela) Gray, Southport, North Carolina, Jonathan Gray, Brunswick and Alzener Princess Gray, Blackshear, Georgia, an honorary son, Andre Brooks, Upper Marlboro, Maryland; seven brothers and sisters: Cora Ann Smith, Gloria ( John) Shuman, Napolian (Alzelta) Gray and Bobby Gray (Sandra), all of Screven, Linda Benton (Lionel) Odessa, Willie Mae Boykins, Jesup and Howard Gray (Sylvia), Waycross; five grandchildren: Jasmine Gray, JaNay Gray, Kirsten Gray, Dylan Clark and Jaylen Clark; three greatgrandchildren: Zion Mungin, JaKaden Simmons and Poetry Gore and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 7 at Community Chapel Funeral Home, 2524 U.S. Highway 341, Jesup.
Homegoing services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 8 at New Bethel Life Changing Ministries, 521 Brown St., Screven.
Community Chapel Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.
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