By Staff
James Edward Gray, Sr., son of the late Mamie Estella and Albert B. Bryant Gray died Monday, May 19, 2008 in Reading, PA. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214.
He joined the Army in January of 1951 and excelled. He then married Irene Morgan and started a family and using those values and beliefs that he was raised on became the model of patience, strength and wisdom for them. James Edward was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was one of the first black First Sergeants, the top enlisted leader of an Army Company, during the integration of the United States Army. He eventually rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army.
James Edward was predeceased by his parents, Albert B. and Mamie Estella Gray; his wives, Irene Morgan Gray and Ann Hill Gray. Six siblings: John, Minnie, Albert, Judyann, Herbert and William Gray. He leaves six children to cherish his memory: James R. “Butch” (Marilyn) Gray of San Francisco, CA; Peggy Gray of Sturgis, MI; Denise (Thomas) Yull of Apalachin, NY; Michael Gray of Sturgis, MI; Delores Richardson of Dover, NH and Chief Warrant Officer 4 William (Joni) Gray of New Brockton, AL. He also leaves behind one brother, Arthaniel (Alease) Gray of Buffalo, NY; three sisters, Thelma Gray of Elizabeth City, N.C., Janie Palmer and Lillian Gray of Buffalo, NY; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives, friends and a special friend, Queen Bethea.
Paid Obituary