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Obituary for JOHN HENRY GRAY
John Henry Gray, age 82, peacefully departed this life and began his journey to his heavenly home on Sunday, February 14, 2016. He was born on May 3, 1933 to the late Ellen and Joseph Gray.
John Henry was educated in the public schools of Calvert County and was a graduate of the Brooks High School Class of 1951. Upon his graduation, he entered the United States Navy and received an honorable discharged after being injured. Upon his discharge from the Navy he began employment with Buffalo Sand and Gravel. He furthered his employment over the years with Howlin Concrete and DynCorp Contractors. He later fulfilled his love for people by becoming a bus driver for Beverly Tours and Freeman, LLC. He and his wife also provided personal transportation for anyone in need.
John Henry was a man of faith and his life centered on Christ. He was a member of Ward’s Memorial United Methodist Church most of his life. He served as an Usher, Trustee, Choir Member and was a member of the Ministerial Staff. He was the Church Sexton for many years, taking pride in ensuring that the church was always ready to receive the congregation and visitors. Until his health began to fail, he was a weekly participate at Ward’s noon day prayer each week. Once his health began to fail, he joined his wife and became a member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church. As a member of Mt. Hope he immediately went to work and became a Trustee, Choir Member for the Mass and Men’s Choir and a member of the United Methodist Men. His faithfulness will be truly missed.
John Henry loved to sing and especially the old time hymns. He loved to play ping pong and usually beat his opponent. He also enjoyed bowling and playing pool. John was also an avid lover of family. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all his relatives. He would always greet you with a smile.
John Henry found his soul mate, Cozzette Holland, and they were joined in holy matrimony on May 6, 2000. Truly they were meant to be because you could never find one without the other. They enjoyed traveling, visiting and eating, and eating, and eating. With their combined family they had eleven children.
John Henry was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Yvonne; sisters, Ruth, Mabel and Hazel; brothers, Louis, Cornelius, Julius; son, Darnell and a host of family waiting to welcome him home.
His departure from this life leaves a void that only God and wonderful memories of a life well lived can fill. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life a devoted wife, Cozzette; seven daughters Gwendolyn Gray, Rita Long (Ronnie), Peggy Clinton (Frank), Carmen Gray, Diane McNeal, Ellen Jones (Elias) and Janet Chase (Michael); three sons, Eric Merritt, John Henry Gray, Jr. and William Holland (Annette); one brother, Edward Gray; one godchild, Dion Gray; twenty three grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; four sister-in-laws, Florence Gray, Geraldine Gray, Mereleine Nyzleibe and Ruth Vernon; three brother-in-laws, Lambertine Jones, Roland Holland and Theodore Holland, his best buddy, Thomas Hicks and a host of other family and friends.