Obituary of William Gray

William Hadley Gray was born January 10, 1925 in Maceo, Kentucky to Ada Woods and Bennie Gray. He grew to adulthood with his siblings Ben, Jewel, Louis, Albert, Lottie, Georgella and Carlee. He graduated from Owensboro High School. William found Christ as a child, and has served God all his life. He has been an active member of St. James CME Church of Salinas, where he served the congregation faithfully in many offices and positions. The fellowship shared with the St. James family was an important part of his life. At the age of 21 William entered the U. S. Army. He served with the post war Occupational Forces in Japan and was assigned overseas in Korea, Germany, as well as numerous stateside posts. His last tour of duty was as a drill instructor at Ford Ord, California. Upon retirement from military service, he served the Salinas-Monterey Community for an additional 20 years at Natividad Medical Center. During his tour of duty in Japan, he met his beloved wife Maria. They were married August 5, 1958. Together they raised their two sons, Salvador and Joseph. He lovingly cared for his wife, Maria for more than 10 years of her illness. They shared a love for music and singing, which lasted through out their 46 years of marriage. His wife, Maria, preceeded him in her "home-going" in July, 2004. He is survived by his two sons, Salvador Gray of Montgomery, Alabama and Joseph Gray of Seaside; his four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as his church family and friends. Burial to take place at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine at a later date Wednesday December 5, 2007 , 1 PM - 9 PM at Healey Mortuary Click for Map and Directions Thursday December 6, 2007 , 10 AM at St. James CME Church Click for Map and Directions