Willie E. Gray

Willie Earl Gray (“Old Man”) was born on January 1, 1942 in Blakely, Georgia to his wonderful parents, the late Woodrow Wilson Gray and Karene “Sadie” Gray.

At a young age, Earl knew he needed to assist his parents by working in cultivation. His work ethics gave him the foundation needed that steered him to his lifelong career in trucking and Automotive Mechanics; this took him around the world. Earl never went to school for mechanics; he just worked hard, self-developed his skills and became a master at his profession.

Earl married and relocated to Miami Florida; he was blessed with five beautiful children: Tammy, Teresa, Janet, Melinda and Marty. But his love was always in Blakely, Georgia. Earl returned home and started his mechanic repair business (The Junkyard). Later, he was blessed with two additional children, Rita and Shanavia, all whom he loved dearly.

Earl obtained employment at the Early County Police Department, but his love for automotive led him to Early County Board of Education as a Master Mechanic, where he worked side-by-side with his brothers O. C. “Buckwheat” and Woodrow “Monkey” Gray. Where you saw one, you saw the others. He built two trucks with no instructions: his pride and joys, Little Black and Big Black; Big Black is still running strong today. Earl worked on everybody’s cars. People came near and far, because they knew Earl was going to fix their car; and boy was he good at repairing cars. Moreover, he was a fair and honest man.

Earl was a Master Mason and a member of the Starlight Masonic Lodge #95. He served as Senior Steward for the masonic order; many people loved Earl.

On a daily basis, to get his day started, Earl had a routine: he would go to Quick Buy at 5:45 a.m. sharp for his morning coffee. He had to be the first one there–rain or shine.

Many years ago, Earl gave his life to CHRIST. He became a member at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Cleveland Sanders. Earl would minister to people and tell everybody about the Glory of THE LORD. Earl loved THE LORD. His faith was rooted and mind was filled with The Word of GOD. Earl remained a faithful servant until THE LORD called him Home.

The family would be remised if we did not acknowledge those whom Earl loved that preceded him in death: Grady Gray, Arthur Lee Gray, Fannie Murray, Mary Hutchens, and Woodrow Gray II.

Having completed his works here on earth, Earl leaves to mourn his special friend whom he loved dearly, Sandra Bryant; his seven children: Tammy Morgan (Darryl), Teresa Johnson (Jimmy), Janet Gray, Melinda Gray, Marty Gray (Dora), Rita P. Jackson, and Shanavia Foster; and his stepdaughter, Sandra Reynolds. Earl also leaves a special grandchild, Juicy; brother, O. C. Gray (Mattie); sister, Vera Brown (Alfred); and a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

1Honorary Pallbearers: John Gilbert and Jimmy Johnson

Active Pallbearers: Tyron Gainer, Terrence Gray, Chris Jinks, Harold Jones, Kenneth Jordan and

Nicholas Joseph

 Service Information