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Obituary for THOMAS S. GRAY, JR.
Thomas Sylvester Gray, Jr. was born May 17, 1943 to the late Thomas Sylvester & Maefield Louise (Holland) Gray, Sr.
Dickie “as he was known” was educated in the Calvert County Public School system. He graduated from William Sampson Brooks High School. While in high school he was known as “Spout” and aimed to become a technician. His yearbook saying could never be truer, “Fair words never hurt the tongue.”
After graduation he served his country in the United States Army. After serving his term, he entered into a career of construction; working for Equitable Construction Co. and George Hyman Construction for many years. Finally, he began working with Laborers Local Union #74 for many years, starting as a Shop Steward and Laborer Foreman. He went on to become a Delegate for the Laborers International Convention. Dickie built a bonded friendship with Archie Gorman, Page Jones, Ford Harris, and Robert Bryant. He always took the time to talk with the workers about the LORD. Finally, he retired after more than 35 years with the title of Business Manager. Many workers & their spouses became dependent upon him, due to his knowledge and compassion for them, even after his retirement.
Dickie married Marietta Elizabeth Jones December 17, 1974. From that union a family was birth; children: Ophelia Denise & Carmon Melvondez Gray; grandson: TaVon Eugene Reynolds.
Dickie was an avid sports fan, especially of baseball (Baltimore Orioles). He played for the Owings Eagles for many years, along with his brothers and many cousins. He was an excellent third baseman and also held position of pitcher. Dickie never missed a practice or game.
He was a faithful member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church. Dickie served in many capacities: Gospel Messengers & United Methodist Men Choirs, Finance Committee, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Cemetery Committee, SPRC Committee, Trustee, Usher, Kitchen Committee, transportation driver, Prison Ministry, Chair of Church Administrative Counsel, and Lay Speaker. It has been said that he would frequently utter, “I made up my mind when I started to work for the LORD, I would give of my time just like I did as a baseball player; never missing a practice or game. How can I do any less for HIM?” Someone once described him this way, “Ducking out the front and side was his style back in the day.” Whatever was needed at the church, he was there to ensure it was done. During the spring and summer, he would cut the cemetery lawn. His favorite bible scriptures were Psalms 27 and 67.
He was a quiet and humble man, never talking much but when he did it was for a long period of time. You could always find him doing favors for others and never wanting anything in return. If you asked him for or to do anything he would say “Um” or “Yeah”, with an “I don’t want to kind of attitude”, but he did it anyway. He loved keeping his Aunt Eloise’s, who claimed him as her own son, land properly maintained (even after her death). After retirement you could find him still maintaining the land of his aunt, caring for his Uncle Joe (chauffeuring) and with Butch in the repair shop. Butch says, “He wouldn’t allow him to put him on payroll.” His favorite shows in the latter years were any court show, Wendy Williams, MSNBC and CNN.
He never smoked or drank, but was a two time survivor of throat cancer before having his voice box removed and a trach inserted. He was a fighter until the end, when the cancer resurrected for a third time. He said, “If it were not for his faith, he never could have gotten through it.”
Thomas S. Gray Jr. once said, “If I can help someone along the way, then my living shall not be in vain.” Surely a man who lived by Matthew 25:35-36: For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.
On July 4, 2020 The LORD replied, “Well done thy Good and Faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:23. He was called home.
Left with loving memories: wife, daughter, and grandson; adopted grandson: Anthony Curtis; two brothers: Woodrow “Lloyd” (Florence) & James “Jimmy” (Debra) Gray; two sisters: Alberta “Bert” (Rayfield-deceased) Jones & Thelma “Poogie” (Howard) Long; adopted sisters: Patricia Gorman & Jeanine Reed; granddaughter-in-law: Kendra Simmons-Reynolds; brothers-in-law: Kevin & Ronald Jones; sisters-in-law: Brenda & Karen Jones; best friends: Vernon “Butch” Jones & Abraham Rice; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sister Susie Gray and son Carmon preceded him in death.
Although he did not receive his healing on this side, he did receive total healing on the other side.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
16
Jul
10:00 AM7/16/2020 10:00:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
7/16/2020 12:00:00 PM
Sewell Funeral Home
1451 Dares Beach Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Due to the restrictions requiring social distancing, there will be a limit of 10 people in the viewing at one time. Face masks are required. Please limit your visit so that others may have an opportunity to pay their respects. After viewing, we ask that you exit the premises immediately. Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time.
