Roy L. Gray Jr., age 74 of Etowah, TN, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014 at his residence, after a long valiant fight with brain cancer and the complications resulting from treatments. He was a native of Hatteras, NC (the Outer Banks). He was a retiree of J.M. Huber Corporation in Etowah and was employed by the Sundry Stores, Inc. for the past several years. To his employers and co-workers he displayed a work ethic second-to-none. He was committed to his work, always a team player, and always willing to go beyond the call of duty. He was a mentor, example and deep personal friend to many of the young men who were his co-workers. His jovial personality brought much fun and laughter to those with whom he was privileged to work. He followed the tradition of his family by joining the US Coast Guard as a young man and serving his county for 11 years. He was a member of the Cleveland Cycle Club and rode throughout the United States on his Honda Goldwing. He was a very active member of North Etowah Baptist Church. His love for his lord, his church, and his fellowman was often displayed by his desire to help those in need. As a representative of his church and many times at his own expense, he and several others made numerous trips to Mexico to help build houses for those in poverty and to share the hope that is in Christ. He was a member of a Disaster Relief team, helping after Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters. Through his church he was involved in many mission activities both locally and in surrounding states. There was an incredible bond formed between those he served with on mission projects. As many as three of his friends at a time would go with him for his treatments; both for support and because they enjoyed the fun and fellowship of being together. Together they traveled thousands of miles and they were surrounding him and his family as he made his final journey for his eternal reward.

His life was a success; he gave more to life than he received, and he brought fun and laughter to all who came in contact with him.

Roy is the son of the late Roy Linvil Sr. and Clarice Gray. He is preceded in death by his parents listed above, and a brother-in-law Jimmy Cox.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Johnson Gray of Etowah; son, Gregory B. Gray of Etowah; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and George Yoder of; Etowah and the absolute joy of his life, granddaughter, Reagan Yoder of Etowah; one sister and brother-in-law; Jeannie and Bill Crook of North Carolina; aunt, Aldeana Midgett of North Carolina and other extended family members.

A private burial will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Family will have a Memorial Celebration of Life Service Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at North Etowah Baptist Church; the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday prior to the service.Bro. Mark Wade and former pastor and dear, dear, friend Dr. Gerald Atkins will officiate. Elwyn Vincent, Bobby Jones, Steve Goodner, James Janes, Linford Bull and Dale West will serve as active pallbearers. Sol Reagan, Jim Ferguson, Justin Morgan,Robin Hayes, J. Harold Smith, and Phil Waycaster will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions can be made to North Etowah Baptist Church, 231 Pennsylvania Ave, Etowah, TN 37331 or Gideons International P.O. Box 4, Athens, TN 37371, or the American Cancer Society c/o Faye Forgety, 120 County Rd 447, Athens, TN 37303

The family wishes to thank his medical doctors and their staff for the wonderful services they provided. Dr. Donald Watters, Etowah, TN; Dr. Katherine Peters, Robert Tish Brain Tumor Center at Duke University; Dr. Russell Devore and James Wolfenbarger ( his assistant) at Tennessee Cancer Specialists.