Walter Edwin Gray

Walter Edwin "Eddie" Gray, 88, of 1108 Lakeview Place, Roanoke, VA, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2010, at his home. He was born March 4, 1922, in Corinth, MS, to the late Walter Oris and Leona Smith Gray. Eddie was a truck driver for Signal Delivery (Sears) and taught computers at Surry Community College. Mr. Gray was also a member of the Melrose Masonic Lodge in Roanoke, VA, Kazim Shriner Temple, and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Bodies. At age 70, Mr. Gray graduated with honors from Surry Community College with a degree in computer technology. He was the president of the Liar's Club in Greensboro and president of Fat Alberts Airline. The surviving children are Phillip Smith (Carla)of Troutville, VA, Jack Gray (Debbie) of Jackson, MS, Greg Gray of Jackson, MS, Ricky Gray (Ginger) of Las Vegas, NV, Janie Gray of New Orleans, LA, and Joanne Goldmark of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren, Marijo Smith Kellam and Brad and Eric Tesnow; several other grandchildren; a great-grandchild, Kennadi Kellam; several other great-grandchildren; and a brother and two sisters-in-law, James Wallace Gray (June) of Birmingham, AL, and Martha Gray of Jackson, TN. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gray was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Hawks Gray; a daughter, Sheila Murphy; two sons, Gary Gray and Wayne Robert Golini; a sister, Emma Ruth Gray Bufkin; and a brother, Travis Gray. The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 2, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Dr. Philip Ayers and the Rev. Verlon Combs officiating. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, with full Masonic rites conducted by the Round Peak Masonic Lodge #616 AF and AM. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:30 until 8:30 PM at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, 402 4th Street SE, Roanoke, VA 24013.