John Robert Gray

John Robert Gray passed away March 3, 2022, at his home with family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Akers Gray of Brandon, his son, Daniel Robert Gray (Elizabeth) of Jackson and his grandson, Asher Earnest Gray. He was blessed to have 19 nieces and nephews and 45 grand nieces and nephews. He is survived by two sisters, Brenda Gray Osborn (Mark) of Jonesboro, AR, and Linda Gray Cayla of Oklahoma City, OK.

He is preceded in death by his parents, C.R. Gray and Eileen Gray of Newport, AR and his sister, Sylvia (Ginny) Mildred Ann Gray Hanner of Fredericktown, MO.

John was born September 27, 1947, in Newport Arkansas. He moved his family to Brandon in 2004. Shortly after, he suffered his first of many strokes. He was such a fighter and inspiration to many with his perseverance and fighting spirit. John was a believer in the Lord and knew He was there with him throughout the many challenging years.

John enjoyed education and learning new skills. During his life, John had an array of different jobs, ranging from heavy construction to computer repair technician to CAD operator, before receiving a degree in accounting and running his own business for 10 years in California.

A couple of years after moving to Brandon, John heard about the Senior Services Center and the excellent classes they provided.  One of the classes he attended was the art class, where he discovered he had a talent. He especially enjoyed drawing and learning about the many mediums.  John found art to be a calming outlet and nurtured his artistic side.

John also greatly enjoyed participating in the “coffee club” at Burger King. He loved the fellowship, laughter and, of course, the “big fish” stories. John loved telling stories and to share his trivia knowledge. He felt blessed to have been a part of such an uplifting group of men.

John had a heart of gold and gave of himself to his family and many friends. He will be fondly remembered as Dad, Pappy, Uncle John, Friend, Big John, Big Bald John, and Bald-headed old coot.  He was loved and will be missed.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest gifts to Baptist Hospice Center, 1200 North State Street, Suite 480, Jackson, MS 39202 or Brandon Senior Citizen Center, 1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon, MS 39042.