Washington Gray

Southern Memorial Funeral Home, sadly announces the passing of Mr. Washington Gray 89, of Dothan Alabama. Service’s are entrusted to. Southern Memorial. The Ones Who Truly Care! When Only The Best Will Do. We ask that you please keep the Gray family in your prayers as they travel through this difficult journey. Washington (Jimmie) Gray was born January 19, 1928 to the late Mary C. Daniels & Washington Gray
in Darlington S.C. He enlisted in the United States Army at an early age an achieved the rank of SP6.
While in the United States Army he specialized in his field as a helicopter mechanic and later served as a
fireman. He was deployed to Vietnam, while there he repaired helicopters, some of which was riddled
with bullets and he served 2 tours. SP6 Gray was appointed to The U.S. Army Executive Flight
Detachment for the Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey as the Senior Crew Chief for
his aircraft. That particular helicopter is currently on display in the Army Aviation Museum in Ft.
Rucker AL. While serving in his military career he received two bronze Star Medal for meritorious
service in a combat zone. He retired from the Army from Ft. Benning in Columbus, GA. He immediately
went to work at Ft. Rucker Alabama as a civilian contractor for Hayes International, Zantop
International, and Sikorsky Aircraft Manufacturer.
SP6 Gray was a great husband and father. When he received orders, he expressed concerns for his
family. While in Dothan he and Mrs. Carrie became members of the Army Wives Club. These group of
former military husbands and wives created a loving atmosphere and had gatherings regularly. In this
Club was Mr. & Mrs. J.T. (Helen) Jackson, Mr. & Mrs. Dixon (Helen) Ward, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie
(Margaret) Rumph, Mr. & Mrs. Lindsey (Josephine) Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. James (Margaret) Mayo, Mr.
& Mrs. Eddie (Ruthie) Wright, Mr. & Mrs. Coley (Neanzie) Robinson and Mr. & Mrs. William (Janice)
Phillips, Mr & Mrs. Ulysse Dale. Both Mr. Gray and his wife played Pinochle regularly and developed
and maintained some great friendships. Those players included Deborah Covington, Nathaniel Rookard,
Queenie Fitzpatrick, Iler Dee Smith, Ruth Beard, Charles Dibrell and Pleas Parker.
As a father, he instilled in his children to “treat people like you want to be treated” and to do the “right
thing”. Not only did he instill these values into his children, but he did to their friends. Mr. Gray was the
ultimate provider. He took care of his wife until her death. He made sure that she had everything she
needed during her time of illness. He was knowledgeable of community affairs and became a member of
the Young Men’s Civic Club. He had and uncanny wit that made conversations informative and
entertaining. He excelled in his past time as an avid golfer and bowler. He was also great playing pool.
He was often challenged by his grandson for a memorable experience. He was preceded in death by his
wife, Carrie Gray; sons, Reginald Gray, Jerome Washington Gray, Robert Alfonzo Gray, and Walter
Gray, Sr; Mother, Mary C. Daniels; Brother, Sammie Gray; Mother-in-law, Annie M. Danze; Sisters-inlaw, Annie L. West and Sarah Holt; Brothers-in-law, Lloyd Danzey Jr, Frank West and Jerome Danzey;
Grandchildren, Terrance Deon Gray & Billy L. Gray; and Stepson, Clifford Baker.
Those left to cherish his memory includes his daughter, Pamela Gray-Mosley; Sons, Ivan Keith Gray
both of Dothan, AL and Billy Gray, Sr, of Mullins S.C; Step-son, Dwight (Sandra) Baker of Dothan, AL;
One brother in law, Rev. Norris (Laura) Danzey; One sister in law, Dorothy Gray; Nieces, Yolanda Gray
Rozier, Nadine Gray Tyson and nephew, Aldopus (Vanessa) Gray; Grandchildren, Antonio Gray, Adisha
Blackmon, Sherri Tart Foxworth, Greg Tart, Billy Gray, Jr, Joy (Dominique) Hurley, Carol Gray
Moody, Sonja Genwright, Eric Faulk, Tron Pee and Marcus Gray of Mullin, S. C., Walter G. Gray
(Carreba) of Charlotte, N.C., Shannon Darby and Walt Darby of Richmond, VA, TaDarryl, Felaria
Smith and Victor Jones of New Jersey, Pongelia Fryson, Bevis (Kimbi) Gray, Kathy (David) Dye of
Columbia S.C., Andrea (Kenny) Sharpe, Robert Gray, and Cedric Gray of Fayetteville, N.C., Micheal
(Melissa) Gray, of Covington, GA, AL-Tahriq (Jenny) Baker of Augusta GA, Felicia Baker, Brian Baker,
and Regine A. Williams all of Dothan, AL, Lorine Gray of Atlanta GA, Tasha Rowe of Windsor Mills,
MD, Tiffany Smith, & Dewayne McKenzie of Washington, DC; A devoted grand-daughter who was
instrumental in “bridging the gap” in the support and care, Tru’Kessa (Cameron) Murray of Huntsville,
AL; A host of Great and great-great grandchildren; and two dedicated friends, Deborah Covington and
Nathaniel Rookard.
 

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