William Gray Jr.

William Gray Jr., was born on February 8, 1954, in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late William and Eva Gray. He was the first-born of five children. He was affectionately known as “Poochie”. He entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 23, 2023, at Towne Manor East located in Norristown, Pennsylvania. William was educated in the Chester Upland Public School System. He graduated from Chester High School with the class of 1972. After graduating, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps but after a short period of time received an honorable discharge due to an injury sustained. William was employed by the Chester Upland School District and worked as a custodian at the Showalter Junior High School for over twenty years until he retired. William accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He was baptized and became a member at Bethany Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Daniel A. Scott. William loved the Lord and didn’t mind giving God praise. He would go to church with his sister Dianne whenever she was in Chester, and even when he was visiting with her in Maryland. William loved the holidays and spending time with his family was extremely important to him. During Thanksgiving, he could be found in the kitchen helping to prepare the meal and making sure there was loud music playing all through the house. He loved to decorate the house for Christmas, buy presents for his niece and nephews and sing his favorite Christmas song “Oh Holy Night” at the top of his lungs in a key that none of his siblings would dare to try. However, we would laugh and encourage him to sing his song because we all knew how much this song meant to him. He was a true jokester, and would definitely catch you off guard if you weren’t paying attention. Music was his lifeline. He enjoyed playing the piano, listening to hymns and gospel music, or singing and dancing to his favorite songs on Philly’s Best WDAS,105.3 FM. He was a kind, compassionate, and caring gentleman who often put the needs of others before his own. Poochie will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. William leaves to cherish his memory: one brother, Raymond Gray; three sisters, Rev. Dr. Dianne Roberts (John); Yvonne Gray and Maude Gray; one niece Jasmine Roberts; nephews Shamar Gray, Sr., Russell Barber and Daniel Barber; and a host of other relatives and friends.

William Gray Jr.

February 8, 1954 - February 23, 2023