Obituary of Alfred Holland Gray

Alfred Holland Gray was born on October 9, 1923 in Powhatan, Virginia to Hester Queen Pittman and Morris Byrd Gray. He departed this life for a new home with his Lord and Savior early Saturday morning, January 10, 2015. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at the Little Zion Baptist Church. He attended school in Powhatan County and graduated from Pocahontas High School. Following graduation he entered the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon his return home from the service he enrolled in Agriculture and trades program sponsored by the GI Bill. Soon after, a chance encounter, lead him to meet the love of his life, Bertha Onell Randolph. They were wed in holy matrimony on Christmas day in 1947 by the late Rev. Josh Fisher. He also became a member of the Shining Light Lodge of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia, A.F. & A. Masons. Together Alfred and Bertha decided to move their growing family north for better economic opportunities. They settled in Riverhead, New York where he was employed by the Riverhead Central School District. For more than thirty years, he never missed a day from work and then only because he broke his leg. He also worked part time in the evening to take care of his family. Family and church were very important to him. He was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church, Riverhead, NY, and served on the Trustee Board. After returning to Powhatan in 2005 he became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. When he was not working, he spent his spare time enjoying his family and gardening. He was a master gardener and each summer cultivated a lush, green garden. He was known for growing oversized cucumbers and tomatoes. Alfred loved baseball and knew the stats for all the teams, but his favorite team was the New York Mets. He also enjoyed his extended family and looked forward to traveling to the next Gray family reunion. He had a never ending love of music of all types and never stopped singing, especially hymns – one of his favorites was "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". He loved children and his eyes would light up when he was visited by DeAricka Parham, Linwood Hill and Catherine James. Alfred leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of sixty-seven years, Bertha Randolph Gray; eight children, five sons and three daughters, Joyce Johnson of Powhatan, Theophilus Gray (April) of Powhatan, Patrick Gray (Denise) of Clayton, NC, Alfred Byrd Gray of Powhatan, Angela Leonard (Kevin) of Coram, NY, Stephanie Gray (Darnell Carter) of Woodbridge, VA, Ricky Gray (Kisha Trent) of Cumberland, VA, and Earl Gray of Coram, NY; eleven grandchildren, one granddaughter preceded him in death; five great-grandchildren, one brother, King Moses Gray of Powhatan, three brothers, Clarence, Everett and Arthur preceded him in death, a host of nieces, nephews, two devoted: Stanley Hicks of Powhatan, VA and Clarence Hicks of Riverhead, NY, cousins and friends