On April 15th,1942 Willis and Martha Gray welcomed their third child into their loving family Willis Jr. but his family and close friends called him Tom. As a young boy Tom enjoyed playing baseball, football and spending time with his friends. The Gray family attended Bethel Baptist Church in Longview, Texas where Tom was baptized. Following in his father’s footsteps Tom developed a strong work ethic. He spent his secondary years at Longview’s Womack High playing sports and working after school at the town’s local department store.
In the Fall of 1960 Tom headed to Texas Southern University during the height of the civil rights movement. Tom wanted to make a difference, so he participated in protests and campus marches. He developed a love for history that led him to study political science. While studying at TSU, he met and married his former wife Reda Monroe Jackson and from this union three children were born. Willis Christopher, Kelly Mignon, and Keisha Wynnette.
Mr. Gray moved to Longview, Texas to accept a job at the Continental Can Company. His diligent work ethic and professionalism landed him a management promotion that relocated him to Fort Worth, Texas where he joined Carter Metropolitan CME Church. Mr. Gray was later hired at Miller’s Brewing Company as a Plant Supervisor managing a team of engineers that maintained the brewery product lines. This position opened the doors for him to travel. He spent months at a time in various states but always checking in with his children excited to hear their voices, their stories about school, sports and their friends. Mr. Gray enjoyed visiting different states and he often shared stories about meeting Barry White, the bar b cue in Arkansas and how he didn’t like working in McAllen, Texas.
Education was most important to Willis and he was determined to pay for his children’s education. God blessed him to do just that and retire at the young age of 57. Shortly after his retirement suffered a terminal illness that he battled the remainder of his life. Willis stayed in fellowship with God knowing he would take care of him.
Early Saturday morning on May 27, 2023 Willis answered God’s call. He leaves his children to cherish his memory Son, Willis Christopher Gray, (Tammy) daughters, Kelly Mignon Bobino, (Mike) and Keisha Wynnette McGlown. Five grandchildren, Kristien Arieal Gray, Kalob Monroe Milton, Kaley Charmain Milton, and Whitney Nicole Gray, Bryon Keith McGlown. Two Great Grandsons; Kayden Monroe Milton, Orion Kevin Jacobs and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives and friends.
