William Gray

Mr. William Gray was born October 30, 1960 to the proud parents of Robert Honer Gray and Rosie Lee Harrison Gray in Mound, Louisiana. He transitioned to heaven on April 10, 2021. William graduated from Thomastown High School in 1978. After high school, he attended welding school and was hired by Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was employed by Avondale over 25 years and earned high awards for his work ethics and dedication. After Avondale closed in 2016, he immediately began working with Ingalls Shipbuilding and remained there until his he went home to be with the Lord. He gave his life to Christ at an early age. Living in New Orleans he met Carolyn Adams and after enjoying times together, he asked for her hand in matrimony. They married on April 2, 1991, and continued the unity until the Lord called his name. William shared the love he had for his sons, William Gray Jr. and Marquis Gray with Carolyn who became a devoted stepmother. William taught his sons how to cook, wash, and to be self-sufficient. He was dedicated to his family, and was always extending a helping hand to others and his co-workers. His work was his second love after his wife and children. He was a loving , caring and giving husband to Carolyn who she called her Hero. He could fix almost anything with his God-given carpentry skills he inherited from his grandfather- Freidsburg Harrison. “No” was absent from his vocabulary when it came to assisting others. His energy and uplifting personality garnered him acquaintances from all walks of life. After the death of his mother, Rosie, he was steadfast in checking on his siblings, great nieces and nephews, and had a comment to make you smile. His extended household members were their dogs, Queen and Willow. Joe, as he was called by some family members and friends, loved to cook, boil, and fry food. It was so tasty, people would ask for the recipes and he would respond with a big smile, “The secret is in the BAG!” One of his co-workers remembered him preparing his sandwich “Just like I wanted it” for a small donation! Another one remembered how William would work so hard even in pain to complete his duties at work. William and Carolyn were big New Orleans Saints fans. They entered a radio contest for season tickets to their favorite NFL team. Their creative rendition of “Who Dat say they’re gonna beat them Saints” garnered them “season tickets to the Saints football games. “ Joe loved to play with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. During the holidays, he and brother, Rory, always fried the best turkey for a family treat. He would also pamper and drive his sister’s 1965 Ford Mustang. William was preceded in death by his father, Robert Honer Gray; mother, Rosie Lee Harrison Gray, and his elder brother, Robert Gray, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife, Carolyn Adams Gray, sons - William Gray (Melinda), and Marquis Gray, a stepdaughter, Keisha Gray, a special and dear young lady, Elisha Wallace, his brothers, Rory Vernon Gray (Anita), Freidsburg Gray, sisters - Bessie Ree Gray and Bobbie Jean Gray Edmonds, 9 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: St. Louis #3 Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.