Mr. Johnnie J. Gray

Mr. Johnnie J. Gray, age 85 of Westfield, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. He was born in Stokes County, North Carolina on December 5, 1924 to the late W. E. and Laura Slate Gray. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gray was preceded in death by five brothers, Lloyd, Guy, Raymond, Noel and Ervin Gray, and two sisters, Irene Dalton and Lena Mitchell.
Mr. Gray was a member of Collinstown Presbyterian Church where he was a historian and had been an Adult Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. He had been an elder for over 25 years. He loved his God and tried to serve him well. He had a personal ministry of visiting the sick, having a prayer with them and reading the Bible, along with his special friend, Frank Overby.
Mr. Gray had been an active member in the Collinstown/Stateline community, having been a former president and serving on the Board of Directors. He had served in the United States Army during World War II in Rhineland Central Europe. He was assigned to the 8th Armored Division where he was awarded the American Theater service medal, EAME service medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct medal, World War II Victory medal, Occupation medal, and was honorably discharged on July 5, 1946 with the rank of Technician fifth grade.
He had worked at Clark, Gas and Oil for over ten years, for the former Stuart Mercantile for twelve years, was owner/operator of Gray Wholesale for seven years, and had worked as a security guard for International Paper.
Mr. Gray is survived by his wife, Glister Hill Gray of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Michael Ballard of East Bend, NC, Nancy and Dale Gammons of Kernersville, NC and Beverly and Robert Conner of Stuart, VA; one son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Connie Gray of Ararat, VA; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Virginia Hill of Westfield, NC.
Funeral services for Mr. Gray will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Collinstown Presbyterian Church with Donnie Gray, Pastor Tracey Collins, Pastor Mark George and Pastor Shaun Draughn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Collinstown Presbyterian Church. In order to spread the gospel in his memory, memorials may be made to the Collinstown Presbyterian Church, c/o Ann Jones, 1889 Puckett Road, Westfield, NC 27053. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Funeral Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Collinstown Presbyterian Church
Burial in the church cemetery
Visitation Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church