Harry A. Gray, Jr.

Reverend Harry A. Gray, Jr., 82, went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 10, from his home in Salisbury, MD.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Harry Archibald Gray and Myrtie Terrell Gray. Harry grew up in Richmond, VA, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He earned a BA in Sociology at the University of Richmond and was a social worker for several years, but felt a strong calling to go into church music, his real talent and love. After obtaining a Master of Church Music Degree at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, he went on to serve as Minister of Music for churches in Maryland and Michigan for many years.

Harry was a talented musician with a beautiful voice, who believed that church music should be an offering to God, whether he was singing solos, playing the organ or piano, or directing a choir. For many years, he and his wife, Pat, were a team. He directed adult and children's choirs and sang solos, while she was his accompanist on piano and organ. After retirement, he continued to sing and substitute on the organ at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salisbury where he was a member, and especially enjoyed directing the handbell choir.

He was also a loving husband and father, a true friend, a good neighbor, a man of character and integrity. Old cars and clocks, going antiquing, refinishing furniture, and doing yard work, were just a few of his interests. He enjoyed tuning and rebuilding pianos, and was owner/operator of Gray Piano Service until his passing. He will be missed by many, in so many ways.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Patricia Tawes Gray; three children, Leslie Westfall (Ray) and Lisa Gibson, all of Huntingtown, MD and Michael Gray (Cherith) of Wolfeboro, NH; grandchildren, Jordan Westfall (Kayla), Brittany Kirby (C.J.), Brandon Westfall, Brent Markley (Amanda), Tova Gray, Skye Gray, and Shepherd Gray; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Chloe, Delaney, Dallas, Henry, and Abram; brothers-in-law, John Tankard Williams of Parksley, VA, Charles “Butch” Tawes (Justine) of Crisfield, MD, Timothy Tawes (Bobbi Lynn) of Marion, MD; sister-in-law, Jeanne Hanke (Bob) of Marion, MD; and numerous special nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Peggy Gray Williams of Parksley, VA, in May 2021.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 112 High Street, Salisbury, MD  21801. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Please note that masks are required at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry's memory may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, at the above address, and designate to either the Crisis Fund or the Handbell Fund.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Williams Funeral Homes in Parksley and Onancock, VA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry A. Gray, Jr., please visit our floral store.