Dakota Wayne Gray

Born on January 24, 1993, he was the oldest son of Debra Ann Wilbourn and Brian Gray.

Dakota had a passion for his tattoo work. He loved spending time with his family and friends and would give you the shirt off his back. He loved deeply, laughed loudly and left a lasting impact on those who truly knew him.

Dakota also suffered with his mental health. Please check on your loved ones as you never know what someone is going through. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 if you are ever feeling down and need someone to talk to. Please reach out for help. Dakota Gray would encourage you to seek help. Even during his struggles, Dakota was always willing and actively helping others during their time of need. Romans 8:38-39.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Teresa Nichols; his great-grandmother, Dorothy Nichols; his uncle, Daniel Wilbourn; and the love of his life, Stephanie Mawyer.

Dakota leaves behind numerous members of his beloved family such as his brothers, Keith Gray (Sydney) and Michael Gray; his mom, Debra Wilbourn; a great aunt, Diane Nichols; a great uncle, Michael Nichols; four cousins, Devon Wilbourn, Cassandra Wilbourn, Katie Wilbourn and Brandy Irby; his step-children, SJ and Amber Mawyer; four nephews, Waylon and Alex Gray, Bentley and Brantley; a family friend, Roger King “Papa”; and his best friends, Timothy Wright, Jr. and Dakota Trent, along with many others.

There will be a Celebration of Dakota’s Life on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.

The family asks that anyone wishing to make donations, please call Whitten Funeral Home and donate directly or use the GoFundMe link provided to aide in the costs of arrangements: https://gofund.me/d83bc4966.

The family will hold a "Last Walk For Dakota" at their home following the memorial service at 135 Wyatt Miles Road, Gladys, VA 24554 and invite all to attend if able.