of Leslie, AR
June 16, 1925 - December 13, 2017
Rufus Ray Gray, age 92 of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this life on Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 at Ozark Health Nursing Center in Clinton, Arkansas. He was born in the O'Neal community of Watts, Arkansas on June 16th, 1925 to John M. Gray and Jane Griffin Gray.
Rufus was a veteran of the US Army and the US Navy. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Leslie and drove the church van for several years. Rufus worked as a barber for many years but the job that brought him the most enjoyment was being a farmer. He was an excellent gardener and liked to show off his wonderful garden produce. Rufus was a very family orientated man who loved his wife dearly and loved to send her flowers and cards on special occasions.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Bernice Brooks Gray of the home; step-sons, Sergal Lewis and wife Bonnie of Marshall, Jimmie Lewis and wife Karen, Willis Lewis and wife Phyllis and Noel Lewis and wife Sharon, all of Leslie; one step-daughter, Janice Lewis, also of Leslie; twelve step-grandchildren, Lucinda, Becky, Andrew, Sheila, Lori, Bernice, Kevin, Amanda, Brian, Ashley, Akela and Aretha; several great step-grandchildren; two step great-great grandchildren; one sister, Bobbie Shaw and husband Lawrence of Fenton, MO; one brother, Bruce Gray and wife Mardell of Marshall; and many many nieces, nephews and extended family that he loved. Rufus is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Leda Treat, Argie Treat, Al Gray, Willie Gray and Jewell Gray.
Funeral services for Rufus will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 18th, 2017 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Chris Reade officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 AM preceding the service. Burial will be in Shady Grove Cemetery near Leslie. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
This is a sad day, We went to visit last year,and I sat and ate cornbread and buttermilk with him, he was a very interesting man.Leroy said he had never meet such a wise man.We loved him dearly.Bernice we love you so much..
we will miss you but heven has another angel
Cheryl and I are so sorry to hear this. We know Rufus had a close relationship with Jesus so all will be good up there. We mourn for the family as you go through this great loss. We pray Gods peace to you and the wonderful knowledge there will be a sweet day when all loved ones will be reunited. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
In His love,
Frank and Cheryl
My condolences, to all the family, on the loss of this sweet man. He has been such a good husband to my aunt and my heart is broken for her. God blessed him by letting him have 92 years of family and friends. He will be missed by so many. Gwin cantrell