Dakota Wayne Gray

Born January 24, 1993 - April 16, 2026 at his home in Gladys Virginia.

Dakota had a passion for art and music which he expressed in tattoo work and writing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He found peace by the river, and going on walks.

Dakota loved deeply, laugh loudly and left his mark on everyone he met. he didn’t know a stranger he would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Dakota has the most contagious smile one you’ll never forget. He was so passionate about everything he did. Dakota was selfless in all aspects. He loved his brothers above all along with all the good, Dakota suffered with mental illness. He would want everyone to reach out for help if you are suffering and check on your loved ones more often even during his struggles, Dakota was always willingly and actively helping others during their time of need. The suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7.

Dakota is preceded in death by his biological farther Roy Sawyer. Maternal grandmother, Teresa Nichols, his great grandmother, Dorothy Nichols, his uncle Daniel Wilburn. his dear friends Corey Kidd, Stephanie Mawyer, Justice Wright and his best friend Stephen Robbins.

Dakota leaves behind numerous members of his beloved family such as his brothers, Keith and Michael Gray, His sister Shannon Gray and sister in-law Sydney king, his mother Deborah Wilburn, great aunt Diane Nichols, “Momma Dee” and great uncle Mike Nichols “Pops” his daughter Rylee Danielle, and her mother Brittany, Nicole ; four nephews brantley gray, Bentley gray, Waylon Gray, Alex king and his close cousins, Devon Wilburn, Cassandra Wilburn, Katie Wilburn, Brandy Irby, Amanda Desmond, TJ Saunders, Jamie Smith, April Wright, Alicia Wright, Derek Handy and Tim Wright; his best friend Jake Kersey, Koty Trent, Samantha Franklin, Lexi Carwell, Lauren Elliott(LaLa), Justin Wilson, Storm Wright, Scott Jennings, Jacob Hudson and Nicole Shaner; family, friends Roger King “Papa” Bobby Wright, April Dunbar, Amber Mawyer, EJ Mawyer; his most special friends who he referred to as his lil sisters, Brianna Updike and Corinna Moon.

There will be a celebration of Dakota‘s life on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 3 PM at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.

The family will have 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.

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