I can't believe this... this man had such a profound impact on my life he was not only my former classmate turned teacher and friend he fought for me to get into his program when I had only 1 class left to graduate so I didn't have to go an entire extra semester. He made sure and told me how proud he was to be my teacher and friend and that he knew I was gonna move on to big things. Rest in piece my brother you will be greatly missed... Until we meet again.

To all the family & friends of our beloved Billy: 
Thanks to everyone who attended the Mass for Billy today. It was a beautiful Mass, and I just know Billy watched from Heaven! It has not even been a week, and it is the hardest thing his mother and I have ever gone through. All of your posts really help; please keep them coming from every single person who knew and loved Billy. He was happy before he died, having spent 2 weeks in Nevada with Kathy & John and the kids. He was kind, generous, loving and full of life! Always the “life of the party,” he loved making people laugh! He was also an amazing person who overcame so many difficulties to accomplish so many wonderful things! And he did it all with one arm! He always wanted me to be proud of him, and his mother and I always were! I plan on having a celebration for him, post COVID. I will contact as many family and friends as possible, and we will pay tribute to his life and love and spirit. William,  we love you and your mother and I will miss you forever. We hope to stop crying every time we think of him, and, instead, smile! That’s what he would have wanted. We love you, William! You are the light of your mother’s life! 

I'm really going to miss his energy.  He helped me through a very hard time in my life and for that I will always be grateful for having met him. I just wish I had more time...

Where to begin. Let me start by saying, I considered you more than a friend, you were my brother. You spent your life helping and teaching others, not only in the shop as a teacher, but in life. If you could only see how many people you touched in your life on earth. You may not physical at shows with us anymore, but I promise you will always be there with us. Keep that party strong up there, we will try to keep it rolling down here. Remember my brother it’s never good bye, but see ya later. I hope you are at piece. Love and miss you bro. 

My dear friend Billy, while we are all here suffering the loss of a great friend I know that you are enjoying all the riches of heaven. I know that up there you are having the time of your life just like you did on earth. Your profession here on earth was being a shop teacher, but you sir taught us all more than that. You taught us all that life is too short and that you should live life to the fullest. To live, laugh, and have the most fun as possible. To help your fellow man is more important than helping yourself.  You were more than a friend, I consider you a brother. I’m going to miss seeing you at car shows and taking you fishing, but I will look forward to seeing you again one day on the other side. It’s never goodbye buddy, but see you later. 

To the Family of William Gray. 
Sending prayers to you during this
Difficult, Sad time. 
Just want to let you know how upset I was to hear about your Love One’s passing
Hoping that in time you find some sort of comfort in the many good memories you shared with Billy. 
I am praying for his three young Sons too. May Angels come and comfort them, protect them, and guide them through Life.💞💞💞
You are all in my thoughts at this very sad time.
Love and Hugs. ❤️


THERE IS A CATHOLIC MASS FOR OUR BELOVED WILLIAM! 
Family and Friends of Billy Gray: 
A Mass is being held at St. Philip Neri in Metairie for final respects at 12 PM on Saturday, December 26th. Father Mike will he officiating the Mass. It is with much sadness that we will say goodbye to our beloved son and nephew. There will be social distancing and masks worn for everyone's well being. Anyone wishing to speak about Billy, please contact Penny Colwart. Please let anyone know who wishes to attend and pay their final respects. 

You had become one of my dearest and truest friends these past few years.  I’m so very sorry for the world, because it’s lost one of the funniest, honest, and most caring individuals to ever live.  May you find the peace now that you were seeking in life.  I love you, brother.

My heart goes out to your family, Billy as I know you are now enjoying all the glory of heaven.  I pray  that in this unbearable time that the Holy Spirit that dwells in each of us will bring some comfort in knowing that we will all be together again some day with our loved ones with perfect bodies for all of eternity and this broken world will be a distant memory.

My heart is heavy as I write this. I am finding it difficult to accept that Billy is gone. 
 I got to know Billy in Innsbruck in 2017. He took a class with me and I got to know him as a smart, compassionate and funny young man. He befriended a Syrian refugee there and they became the best of friends. He loved Innsbruck and was very nostalgic about his time there. 
Rest In Peace,  Billy.  You are mourned by so many whose lives you touched. I will visit Nordkette - your special place in Innsbruck - next summer to remember you. You will always live on in our memories and in our hearts. 

OBITUARY

William Carl Gray

17 November, 1982 – 21 December, 2020

Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home

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