John William Gray, age 80, a resident of Durham, NC passed away peacefully Monday evening at Duke University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Bahama, NC and was the son of the late Marvin and Anna Lee Peacock Gray. He graduated from Durham High School in 1947. He served in the U. S. Army, Signal Corps from 1950 through 1952. After his serving in the Army, he graduated June 27, 1963, from Ben Franklin University, in Washington, DC. He met and fell in love with his wife Leone Kelley and they were married in 1964. John was employed as an accountant for the American National Red Cross for 25 years. He retired in 1990 and they moved to Durham. John was a member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather and an avid Washington Redskins and Carolina fan.
Surviving are his wife, Leone Eva Gray of Durham; one daughter, Laurie D. Fischer and husband John F. of Wake Forest, NC; a son, Jim Boom and wife Betty Sue of Woodbridge, VA; a son-in-law, William Petersen of Ashburn, VA; two brothers, Dan Gray and wife Patsy and Bobby Gray all of Durham, seven grandchildren, Michael and Taylor Fischer, Kelley, Keith and Kyle Boom and Matthew and John Petersen and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Gray was predeceased by his daughter, Kristi Petersen, sister, Virginia Hobbs and a brother Mike Gray.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 7, 2009 in the Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, Bahama, NC. Presiding will be the Rev. Bryan Siefert. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Following the burial a gathering of friends and family will be held in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 1605 Bahama Road, P.O. Box 27, Bahama, NC 27503 or the Durham Sports Club Scholarship Foundation, 3500 Westgate Dr. Suite 900, Durham, NC 27707.
On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.
Joyce Lewis
February 4, 2009 at 12:00 amMy thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time of great loss.
Jim and Doris Lucia
February 6, 2009 at 12:00 amLaurie and John,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need.
Sincerely,
Doris and Jim
Cas Dec
February 7, 2009 at 12:00 amDear Mrs. Gray and family,
Please accept my deepest condolances for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Cas Dec