Dr. Wm. A. GRAY, Local Minister Dies At Age 55

Dr William A.GRAY, well known retired Mt. Vernon minister, died at 7:50 this morning at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, from a heart ailment. Dr. GRAY, former pastor of the Logan Street Baptist church here, was 55 years, four months and one day of age.

Mr. GRAY, who resided at 1512 north 17th street, retired from the minstries a few months ago because of a critical heart ailment. Since that time he had been a frequent hospital patient.

Dr. GRAY was at one time president of the Illinois Baptist State Association, the highest elective office of the association. He served as pastor at the First Baptist church at Carmi and the First Baptist church at Effingham. When he retired he was minister at the Springfield, Illinois Southern Baptist Church.

Dr. GRAY was born November 9, 1908 in Hami1ton county, the son of Ivan D.. and Ella (LEMAY) GRAY.

On June 1, 1925 he was married, in Shawneetown, Ill., to Gladys STEARNS, who survives.

He was a member of the Park Avenue Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete today. The body was taken to MYERS Chapel. Besides his wife, Dr. GRAY is survived by his mother, Mrs. Ella LANE of Mt. Vernon; one son, David Byron GRAY of Beardstown, Ill.; three daughters, Mrs. Pat GHARST of Louisville, Ill., Mrs. Joyce KINDER. Springfield, Ill., and Miss Martha Jane GRAY, at home; and nine grandchildren.

Submitted by Misty Flannigan
May 18, 1997