James Leonard Gray was welcomed into his heavenly home by Jesus and reunited with his loving family on the afternoon of Monday (December 10, 2018) at his home. He was 94. His wife, Joan, of 65 years was by his side. Leonard was born on October 31, 1924 to the late Richard Citzmiller & Dicy (Galloway) Gray. Leonard & Joan Hamilton were united in marriage on August 19, 1953.
Leonard retired from Eastman Chemical Company after almost 40 years of dedicated service. He was a member of University Parkway Baptist Church. Leonard was a loving husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; he will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by two brothers, Oran L. Gray and Bernice L. Gray; and one sister, Hazel Gray Booher.
Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Joan Hamilton Gray; daughter, Kathryn Gray Holsclaw & husband Robert; son, Steven Gray & wife Rita; three grandsons, Brandon Gray (Gina Hubbard), Ryan Gray & wife Kristen, and Chad Gray; one special granddaughter, Katie Gray Owens & husband Daniel; one very special great-grandson, Jace Gray; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
The family would like to give a special "Thank You" to Gina, a dear friend of James and his family, for her unwavering love and support during this time; to Leslie Hohl for her loving care during James' last days; and to Dr. Hemphill, Dr. Hoover, and Dr. Shankal for their care and compassion.
The family will receive friends and honor Leonard’s life and legacy on Friday (December 14, 2018) from 5 to 7 pm at Monte Vista Funeral Home (1900 E. Oakland Ave Johnson City, TN 37601). Funeral services will follow in the chapel at 7 pm with Pastor Steve Pate and Dr. Michael Oaks officiating.
Leonard will be laid to rest on Saturday (December 15, 2018) at 2:30 pm in the Garden of the Cross at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Gray, Chad Gray, Landon Gray, Ryan Gray, Daniel Owens, and Bo Wheelock. Honorary pallbearers will be Leon Cox, Allen Ferguson, Bernie L. Gray, George L. Gray, Jr., Robert Holsclaw, Don Hughes, Gene McNew, Ralph Martin, Jimmy Joe Mitchell, Byrd Quillen, Dennis Robbins, Joe Robbins, Wayne Robbins, Dan Shipley, friends, neighbors, and church of the Harmony Community.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Harmony Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be made to the Gray family at www.montevistafuneralhome.com. Monte Vista Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Gray family.
