Wilbert L. Gray

In Loving Memory Wilbert Leon Gray, 93, was the ninth child born to Samuel Gray and Sarah Reid Gray on December 13, 1929, in Richmond, Virginia. Wilbert received his formal education in the Richmond Public School system. He left school at a young age to work and earn money to help his family. At the age of twenty, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. He completed his term of active and reserve duty with the rank of Corporal, receiving an honorable discharge on December 13, 1960. His service resulted in distinguished citations, awards, and medals. After leaving the military, he was employed by several companies including Medical College of Virginia, Famous Foods of Virginia, and the City of Richmond, from which he retired as a custodian for Richmond Public Schools. He wed his sweetheart Bernice Spencer on July 9, 1971, in Richmond, Virginia, and in 2021 they marked their golden anniversary with a family celebration. Wilbert accepted Christ as his Savior on April 25, 1982, at Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church where he served as an usher for several years. In his leisure, he enjoyed watching sports such as basketball and football, especially the Washington Commanders (Redskins) his favorite team. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sarah Gray; six sisters, Alice Blowe, Gertrude Hayden, Velma Gray, Virginia Goldvin, Geraldine Coleman, and Teresa Hardy; and two brothers, Samuel Gray, and Herbert Gray. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife and friend, Bernice Gray; his devoted children: Moses Wright (Brenda), Jacquelyn Smith (Lloyd), Wilbert Hanks (Margaret) and brother Warrenell "Jimmy" Hanks, Cindy Albert, Michael Spencer (Katrina), Llewellyn Spencer (Deborah), and LaTanger Gray. He is also survived by loving nieces, Geraldine Harris, and Brenda Gray, and many faithful nephews including Harold Blowe (Mary), Calvin Gray, Leonard Gray (Mattie), George Hardy (Beverly), Herbert Gray (Bettie), and a host of caring in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other dear family and friends.

Tributes

Wilbert L. Gray

December 13, 1929 - June 5, 2023