REVEREND WILLIE A. “BILL” GRAY

 

Reverend Willie A. “Bill” Gray, age 79 years, of Great Bend, Kansas, went home to sit on the right-hand side of the Lord on March 29, 2015 at his home in Great Bend.  Willie was born on April 20, 1935 in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Lee Andy and Mary Etta (Cargill) Gray, and he attended school in Hutchinson, Kansas.  He worked as a contractor for the City Highway Department in Hutchinson, Kansas and then lived in Denver, Colorado for many years as an auto detailer and truck driver.  Bill was united in marriage to Carolyn K. Jordan on September 10, 1987 in Denver, Colorado.  The couple moved to Great Bend that same year to be close to his mother and stepfather.

Bill was called to preach the Word in April of 1993 at Second Baptist Church in Newton, Kansas and was ordained into the ministry in June of 1994 under the guidance of his brother Pastor L.F. Gray. He was also Pastor at First Baptist Church in Hoisington, Kansas.  Bill loved hunting and fishing, in addition to preaching.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn K. Gray of Great Bend, Kansas; five sons:  Ralph Gray and Gerry Gray, both of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Nicholas Wagner of El Dorado, Kansas, Matthew Gray of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Lamont Gray of Oklahoma; one daughter, Taleah N. Gray of Denver, Colorado and one step-daughter, Stephanie Taylor-Jordan of Great Bend, Kansas; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; one bother, Pastor Leonard F. (and his wife, Betty) Gray of Hutchinson, Kansas; and a host of nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Lee Andy and Mary Etta (Cargill) Gray); his stepfather (Raymond Wharton); two sons (Othel Gray and Kimen Wagner); one stepson (Donnell Jordan); two brothers (Johnnie Gray and Othel Gray) and one sister (Leola Cherry).

According to his wishes, cremation has been chosen.  There will be no viewing or services.  The family requests that memorials be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left and a complete obituary may be viewed at https://www.charterfunerals.com/obituary/chgb.

 

Arrangements Entrusted To

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St.

Great Bend, KS  67530

(620) 793-6161