John Crawford Gray

John Crawford Gray passed away peacefully Saturday morning November 3, 2018 at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern, NC. His wife of 64 years, whom he regularly thanked God for, remained at his side all night holding his hand as he passed. He was 94 years old. Born to Helen and William Gray, he was of strong Scottish descent. His mom immigrated to the U.S. from Scotland as a young adult and his dad's parents immigrated from Scotland as well. He was raised in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah. He attended college there, served in World War II and upon return to the area, worked at Hill Air Force Base.

The family longed to be near Arbor, his older brother, who was a law student at Duke University so John and his parents moved to North Carolina, specifically Havelock, where John retired from Cherry Point after 37 years of civil service. He and his wife Ramona were firm believers in putting down roots for their family, and lived together in their current home for 64 years. They loved gardening together and sharing their bounty with their neighbors and friends. A special memory for him occurred in May 2011 when he was on an Honor Flight for World War II Veterans to visit the memorial in Washington, DC. He was married to the love of his life, Ramona M. Brinson, formerly of Grantsboro, NC. They raised three children together; Riley, Helen, and Monie. John was preceded in death by his brother, Arbor, and two of his children, Riley and Monie.

He is survived by his wife Ramona; daughter, Helen Ewing (Glenn); granddaughters, Courtney Rhodes (Matt), Kelsey Ewing and Lindsey Brinson; great granddaughters, Matelyn Rhodes and Riley Rhodes; sisters-in-law, Cora Reagan (Bobby) and Lillian Robinson, and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He attended New Life Church with his family.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 - 1:30 pm Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Cotten Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at Lakeside Chapel, Greenleaf Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to New Life Church.