Living legend, community activist, John Lewis Gray succumbs
With great sadness, we announce the passing of a Living Legend, Community Activist, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend-John Lewis Gray, 82.
“John L,” as he was fondly called, was born December 8, 1934 to the late Oscar & Mamie Gray in Barnwell, South Carolina. As an All-American athlete, he loved playing football, baseball, golf and basketball.
After graduating from Dillard High School, (Class of 1955) and Central State College in Wilberforce, Ohio, with a football and baseball scholarship, he married his high school sweetheart Juanita Avant on February 3, 1956, and subsequently since celebrities 61 years as a dynamic couple.
One of his proudest moments was joiner’s the Negro Baseball League which allowed him to first play with the Indianapolis Clowns as a catcher, center fielder and pitcher, then the Cleveland Indians in Daytona Beach FL, along with the Chicago Cubs as a catcher, and center fielder. He also signed with the Chicago White Sox as a catcher and center fielder.
His career endeavors consisted of employment Broward County Public Schools, Eastern Airlines (Miami, Fla.) for 28 years and Broward County International Longshoreman Association where he finally retired. But he was also known for his mentoring spirit to all… and his love for golf.
He worshipped at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, for over 60 years where he worked passionately in various departments as well as attended services for many years before becoming a member of Mount Olivet S.D.A. Church October 2013.
His life has demonstrated what’s truly important in being an active servant of our community.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, seven children, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, along with a very large loving family, extended family and countless friends.
Celebration of Life Services for Mr. John L. Gray Memorial/Wake will be Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 4:30-8 p.m. at Mount Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 649 N.W. 15 Way, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311. Funeral Service will be Monday, May 8, 2017, 1 p.m.at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. 33313.
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