Life’s Reflections
JerrySteven Gray, Sr., was born on January 25, 1961, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to the late Barbara Gray Tubbs and reared by the late William Gray and the late Anzie Tubbs.
Jerry grew up in a Christian home and confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend John H. Patton.
Jerry later rededicated his life to Christ and joined the New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church through Christian experience under the leadership of Pastor James L. Morgan, Jr., and remained a member until his passing. Jerry peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home on August 12.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-father, sister, Norma Jean, his grandparents, uncles, and aunt.
Jerry leaves to cherish his memories one sister, Iris G. Hamilton of Forrest City, Arkansas, four brothers, Martin (Kathryn) Gray of Forrest City, Arkansas, Evangelist Michael (Sheila) Gray, of North Las Vegas, NV, Kenneth Tubbs, of Marion, Arkansas, Tony (Lorease) Grandberry, of Milwaukee, WI, three sons, Andrew Wilbon of Little Rock, AR, Jerrett C. Gray, of Forrest City, AR., and Jerry S. Gray, Jr., of Little Rock, AR, two daughters, nine grandchildren, an honorary brother, Eric (Valerie) Carr, and a host of
2 Timothy 4: 6-8
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not me only, but unto ALL them that love his
Prelude
CelebrationOrder of Celebration
Saturday, Augutst 17, 2024
2:00 P.M.
Salem Missionary Baptist Church
105 Haven Street
Forrest City, Arkansas 72335
Pastor James L. Morgan, Jr., Officiating
Processional...........................................................................................................Famly & Friends
A Final Glimpse of Jerry (Viewing)
Scriptures:
Old Testament...........................................................................Reverend Clifton Blanchette New Testament......................................................................................Pastor Lonzo Gatlin
Prayer......................................................................................................Pastor Michael McGruder
Words of Comfort............................................................................................Dr. G. Bernard Steele
Solo.................................................................................................................Bro. Willie Moore, Jr.
Expressions:
(3 Minutes, Please)
As a Classmate.....Sis. Shelah Hancock Class of “1979”
Solo.................................................................................................................Bro. Willie Moore, Jr.
Tribute from the Family.............................................................................Evangelist Michael Gray
Acknowledgments................................................................................................Sis. Cleola Seward
Solo...............................................................................................................Elder Felecia P. Golatt
Obituary
(Read Silently, Soft Music)
Eulogy - (The Spoken Word)................................................................Pastor James L. Morgan, Jr.
Recessional
ogether T Again
We didn’t know that August day our God would call your name, In life, we loved you dearly; in death, we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
“Simper F1”
“ALWAYS FAITHFUL ALWAYS LOYAL”
It’s the motto of the United States Marine Corps and is used in various ways, including a greeting to motivate and express a connection between past and present Marines. It also symbolized the Marines’ tradition, responsibility, loyalty to their fellow Marines, and commitment to the success of battles and the nation’s progress.
Jerry Steven Gray, AKA Doobie, Scooby-Doobie Doo, Scooby-Doo, Doobie Gray, Doo-Wop, The GreatOne, The Juice, The Fish, The Legend, Uncle Doobie, and perhaps many more (laugh). As you can see, Doobie had a collection of AKAs, each having its own meaning, depending on who was speaking with him.
Most importantly, Jerry was very beloved by his family and friends throughout the Forrest City Community and Surrounding towns. Jerry was a very talented individual and very athletic in the sports arena. He started the journey playing for the Forrest City Boys Club as a running back, where he was tagged with the name “The Juice” by his brother Michael Gray. Doobie also excelled in baseball, playing in the Forrest City Summer Little League Baseball program for the Cardinals. He also played basketball in Junior high school, ran track, and played football for the Forrest City Mustangs. Jerry was an excellent swimmer and diver, learning from one of the best ever, Melvin Miller. His swimming skills later enabled him to be hired as a lifeguard at the same pool where he learned to swim. Today, many regard him as one of the best swimmers to come from the Southside, where he is still called the “Legend.” Jerry was also an excellent roller-skater and often bragged about his dancing skills. After graduating from high school in 1979, Jerry decided to enlist in the United States Marines Corps as a Supply Specialist, where he served faithfully, receiving an “Honorable Discharge” after his term of enlistment. Jerry wore the United States Marine Corps uniform with honor, pride, and dignity.
Jerry loved to laugh and crack jokes with family and friends alike. Jerry was also very skillful and knowledgeable in many occupations. He was a self-proclaimed master plumber, electrician, carpenter, mechanic, and chef. He would say if it’s broken, I can fix it (laugh). In the kitchen, his brother Michael called him the midnight chef. Doobie stated he was only second to his mother, Barbara when it came to preparing and cooking green tomatoes, onions and potatoes, and cornbread. Doobie learned to cook because he was truly a lover of food. He would often be found by family members in the kitchen, preparing full-course meals from 12:00 midnight until 7:00 in the morning, topping it all off with a slice of pie, cake, and ice cream before retiring to watch his favorite cowboy movie with a hot bag of Pop Secret lightly salted popcorn. Jerry inherited the name Yum-Yum Eatum Up from his brother Michael, who swore that Doobie had a tapeworm family in him (smile).
On the spiritual side, Jerry often said he was not perfect, but he was confident that God would complete the good work in him until the day of Christ Jesus.
Jerry gave his soul to the LORD and was baptized in 1969 in the Southside swimming pool with his brother Michael Gray under Reverend John H. Patton’s pastorship at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. On August 12, 2024, as Jerry was slowly transitioning from life to temporary death (sleep), his utterances were very similar to those of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the Philippians in 3:12-14: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after, if I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!!! Amen...
Acknowledgements ~ With deep gratitude, we acknowledge each of you for every expression of sympathy rendered during the loss of our beloved “Jerry.” No words can express how you have encouraged and strengthened us during our difficult journey. We are blessed to have so many loved ones and friends around us to show your love towards us. Our burdens are heavy, but our hearts are warmed by each of you.
Thank You!
A Special Thanks to the staff of the LTC Luke Weather, Jr. Medical Center (VA); Dr. M. Malhotra, Dr. F. Zare (Palliative Care Unit), and Nurse Angela Dobbins (ICU). Special Thanks also to Pastor James L. Morgan, Jr. of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church of West Memphis, Arkansas.
~The Family
Active Pallbearers ~
Martin Gray, Sr. Andrew Wilbon
Michael Gray J. Christopher Gray
Kenneth Tubbs Jerry S. Gray, Jr.
W. Patrick Mitchell Eugene Dortch
Frank Ferrell Calvin Haggins ~Committal Rites, Military Honors & Interment ~ Casteel Cemetery Forrest City, Arkansas 72335
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