A memorial service for William Ernest Gray, Jr., 89, of Hallsville, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Hallsville.

William was born on October 30, 1933, in Marshall, Texas to William Ernest Gray, Sr. and Iva Ruth White Gray and passed away on March 1, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.

He attended Marshall High School and served in the U.S. Army from the beginning of 1951 to the end of 1953. He met Patsy in Woolworths where they both worked and the two were married on September 17, 1955.

He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after over 30 years of service. During this time, he studied at the Bible Institute of Texas. He pastored Pope City Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Bell Street Baptist Church in Marshall, Open Door Baptist Church in Longview and Gospel Baptist Church in White Oak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Gray, Sr. and Iva Ruth Gray; son, Steven Gray; sisters, Marion Jackson, Laura Gray and Beverly Keese and brother, James Gray

He leaves behind his wife Patsy of 67 years; sons, Bill Gray and David Gray and wife, Shannon; daughter, Katherine Knighten and husband, Rod; daughter-in-law, Twilla Gray; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and sister, Sarah Hughes and husband, Jimbo.

Dad was really ready to go be with Jesus, His Lord and Savior. Praying he would say "I want them all to know you, Lord Jesus."