Frank R. Gray

Frank R. Gray, Sr. was born on August 31, 1943, to the late Nathaniel and Jewell Idyel Gray in Hopkinsville, KY.  Frank left this earth on Saturday, December 16, 2023, to be with the Lord.  At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Lane Tabernacle CME Church in Hopkinsville. 

Later, he moved to Morganfield, KY, and joined Bowman Chapel CME Church.  He graduated from Attucks High School in 1961. Frank grew up learning to build things from his father, Nathaniel. Together, they constructed several buildings. A few years after high school, Frank attended Dunbar Vocational School in Chicago, IL, where he received a Masonry Certificate. Frank further developed the skills he learned from his father to become an excellent mason and carpenter. 

On November 22, 1976, Frank married his love, Christine. They were blessed with eight children. He utilized his masonry skills to build the house where he raised and nurtured his family. When the church was in need, Frank designed and constructed the altar at Bowman Chapel.  He enjoyed sharing his talents to help others and his church.

During his lifetime, Frank worked at Pyro Coal Mine, Union County Public School, and Earl C. Clements Job Corp. where he instructed students in the techniques of masonry.  His love for the profession was evidenced in his enjoyment of teaching the craft to young people.

Frank loved people, and he loved his family.  He was a hardworking man for the Lord and his family who never met a stranger.  He was best known for his expression, “It’s your world; I’m just passing through!”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Gray, his son, Frank R. Gray, Jr, and daughter, Carmen M. Elam.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory five daughters, Ranada Gray, Rena (Ronnie) Burkins, Robin Oliver, Mitzi Spaulding, and Cherie Person; son, Andre (Valerie) Elam; brothers,  William (Ovetta) Gray, Marshall (Betty Jo) Gray, Monzell (Mona) Gray, Kenneth Gray, Gary (Thea) Gray;  sisters, Melba Bradley and Claudette Gee; daughter in law, Mary Wenzell Gray; 24 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, a special companion Dorothy Babbage, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.