Willie J. Gray, Sr., died Dec. 13, 2004 in Riverside Convalescent Center. He was a native of Wilson, N. C. and the son of the later Carey Gray and Dazy Ellis Gray.

Mr. Gray served in the U. S. Navy and was an active member of the Sixth Street Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and an usher. Mr. Gray retired from Obici Hospital and Addison Foods.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie Y. Gray of Suffolk; one daughter, Charlotte A. Gray of Suffolk; two sons, Willie J. Gray, Jr. (Evelyn) and Michael A. Gray of Suffolk; two sisters, Carrie Gray and Penny Webster of Newark, N.J.; two sisters-in-law, Cleo Worrell of Suffolk and Mary Gray of Spring Valley, N.Y.; four grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday in Crocker Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted by Dr. James B. Williams, Jr. in Sixth Street Baptist Church, 324 Goodman Street in Suffolk at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church at 11:30 a.m. The family will assemble at 12:15 p.m. Saturday at Crocker Funeral Home for the procession to the church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Riverside Convalescent Center, Smithfield, for their care and concern for Mr. Gray during his illness.