George "Butch" Gray

George Rolland Gray “Butch”, 61 years old of Northport, Alabama, passed peacefully on July 19th, 2021 at DCH regional hospital in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and with family members faithfully by his side.

He was the firstborn on February 10th, 1960 at DCH Regional hospital by George Rayburn Gray and Mary Albright Gray. Rolland’s siblings in order of eldest to youngest include: Deanna Jones (deceased), Cynthia “Cindy” Gray, and Mary Anne Dollar.

In reminiscing of family memories, laughter abounds from the joy that was to experience Rolland Gray. He grew up hunting with his dad and would often go to Waffle House to eat breakfast right before they settled in for the hunt. One time, they were late and his dad suggested they may have to skip Waffle House that morning and Rolland said, “The deer can wait!”. He loved to eat good food and was a phenomenal cook. Breakfast was always fixed and ready for his kids to grab and go to school while they were growing up. He thoroughly enjoyed fellowshipping with loved ones. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back if needed.

He hated closed-in spaces but would do anything for any of his family, including ride an elevator or get on an airplane. Every time he answered the phone you’d hear, “Joe’s Pool Hall!”. More recently, he would call his daughter and say, “Good Morning Sunshine!”. Since he was little, he was usually the first to wake up in the house and loved to talk. He could talk for hours about anything.

One of his greatest enjoyments was watching/coaching his son play baseball, football and golf and watching/coaching his stepson through baseball attending high school games up to State tournament. He spent countless hours at his daughter’s gymnastics meets and ballet recitals over the years. He was so proud of all of his children. He and his bride would love to ride to Tannehill for Trade Day buying boiled peanuts and finding good deals. He always drove her around so she could go shopping. They were best friends and thoroughly enjoyed their life together.

He felt most at home when he was in the woods. He loved being in nature as it made him feel closer to God and peaceful. The beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter satisfied his soul deeply. He used to wake up at the crack of dawn and get out on the beach and stay there all day until the sun set. He stayed in the ocean all he could and loved to ride the waves. He enjoyed listening to and singing country gospel music.

He was a proud “Pawpaw” of seven grandchildren. He lived to see those kids come over and play. He would talk about watching his grandkids grow up being such a blessing from the Lord. He loved his family. Most importantly, He was a child of God and believed that Jesus Christ died and rose again to pay for his sins. He walked with the Lord throughout his life and made a point to teach his children and grandchildren to love and live like Christ. He sowed threads of the gospel throughout his interactions and prayed for people often. He was an incredible man. To know him was to love him.

He married his love, Debbie Gilliland Gray on December 3rd, 1998 at The Chapel in the Pines in Northport, Al.

He obtained a certificate from Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. He worked most of his life as a Timber buyer. He owned Oak Ridge Timber Company.

He and his wife are members of New Beginning Family Worship Center in Northport, Al.

He is survived by his wife Debbie Gray; his children Jason Rolland Gray, Jessica Gray Lee (husband Sean Lee) , Kimberly Harcrow Smith (husband Jonathan Smith), and Nathan Harcrow (wife Millie Harcrow); his grandchildren Wyatt Smith, Steelie Gray, Waylon Smith, Olivia Lee, Will Smith, Gracie Lee, and Walker Smith; his father George Rayburn Gray (wife Doris Gray); his siblings Cynthia “Cindy” Gray and Mary Anne Dollar, and other beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; his precious dog Katie and cat Sam.

He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Albright Gray, and his sister, Deanna Gray.

His life will be celebrated on Thursday July 22nd, 2021 with the Family receiving friends at 10:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home in Northport, Alabama with a Celebration of Life graveside Service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to ease financial burdens during this most difficult time. Please call or text Jessica Lee, 205-454-7820 for donation information.

On behalf of Rolland Gray, the family would like to send their overwhelming gratitude to the MICU team at DCH regional hospital. They were phenomenal caretakers, thoroughly took care to save his life however, when circumstances wouldn’t afford it, we were assured that our sweet loved one did not pass in any pain.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com

Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is honored to serve the Gray family during their time of bereavement.