William Gray, Jr.

With joy and celebration, we announce that William "Bill" Gray, Jr., 70, of Spartanburg, SC, has entered the gates of Heaven and is surrounded by God our Father and all the beloved family members who have gone before him. While our hearts will miss him terribly, we take comfort in knowing we will be together again one day. Bill died Saturday, June 9, 2018, at his home. Born August 14, 1947, in Spartanburg, he was the son of the late William Bailey Gray, Sr. and Thelma Wade Gray. Known as "Poppi" by his family, Bill brought endless sunshine, humor, and joy. His gift was loving unconditionally-especially his granddaughter and great-grandchildren. Poppi was a "dog whisperer." He loved all animals. His heart was pure and his family were all blessed beyond measure for having been loved by him. A 1965 graduate of Cowpens High School and U. S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Mr. Gray loved his family and had a way of making others feel good...no matter what. He retired from Spartanburg Medical Center, was a volunteer with the DAV, and enjoyed gardening. Survivors include his wife, Norma Coleman Gray, with whom he just celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary; children, Vickie Wilkinson (John) of Bozeman, MT and James Steven Turner (Sandra) of Spartanburg, SC; granddaughter, Sarah Dean (Dave Clucas) of Bozeman, MT; and great-grandchildren, Avery Grace and Asher Levon. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Peggy Gray and Brenda Sullivan. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, by The Rev. Joe Blackwelder. Eulogy will be given by Vickie Wilkinson. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cannon's Camp Ground United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 3450 Cannons Campground Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307; or Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The family is at the home of Norma Gray. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William "Bill" Gray, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.