of Conway, AR
May 19, 1933 - July 27, 2021
Saniford Leon Gray, 88, of Conway, Arkansas went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in Conway, Arkansas. Leon, as he was referred to, was born Friday, May 19, 1933 to late Ermal and Chloe Simpson Gray in Vilonia, Arkansas.
In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force and served our country until his honorable discharge in 1955. During his time in the Air Force, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Clements. They had two sons, Ricky and Steve Gray. For over thirty years, Leon worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Leon was strong in his faith and attended First Baptist Church of Conway. He was also an avid Arkansas Razorback and St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Leon is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years; Mary Ann Gray, two sons; Ricky Gray (Joy), Steve Gray (Heather), four grandchildren; Scott Gray, Brandon Gray, Aaron Gray, Allison Levine, seven great-grandchildren, one sister; Jan Thrower (Dan), and by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be Friday, July 30, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Charlie Clements, Billy Wayne Clements, Glen Clements, Greg Clements, Bobby Clements, Mike Anderson. Brothers Dale Wicker and Kyle Cochran will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Conway.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway
Mary Ann we are so sorry for your loss. Leon was a special man and we loved working with him. He always brought one of your wonderful cakes to any special occasion at work. Even after he retired he would show up with a cake. We always looked forward to it. Thanks for always sending a cake with Leon. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Leon was such a dear friend to Delbert and I. He will be missed, but knowing him was such a pleasure. He was a Godly man, a gentleman in every respect. He will be missed, myself, Gary and Terri give our condolences to his family, with our love. God bless you all, we will see him again.â¤ï¸
Cousin Leon will always be remembered by me as the most hospitable, joyful, and hard working man who loved his family and the Lord. I think he and my dad, along with the Gray clan in Heaven, are embracing and enjoying each other. Death takes the body; God takes the soul; Our mind holds the memories; Our hearts keep the love; Our faith let's us know we will meet again. Sending a warm embrace to Mary Ann and praying for the family.
Dearest Mary Ann,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Leon. Much love and prayers coming your way.
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Brenda
Cousin Leon always had a hint of fun and mischief in those twinkly eyes of his. His chuckle and laughter were contagious and there was a warmth and acceptance in his demeanor that gave his Gray cousins a sense of belonging and connection. He was just a joy to be around. Good man, faithful loving spouse, great dad-grandad-great grandad, caring devoted brother to Jan, encouraging fun uncle to niece and nephews, a man of strong faith and honorable character...that was Leon Gray. Memories are a blessing from God that help ease the absence of our loved ones. May all who loved Leon find comfort in their memories in the days and weeks and months ahead. 🎶 We'll sing and shout and dance about, the Lamb will dry our tears. We'll have a grand home-coming time, that first 10,000 years.🎵
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So sorry to hear about Leon. Curtis and I have such wonderful memories of our time in Ar. We played games. ate pizza, and laughed a lot with this wonderful couple and more. Praying for you , MaryAnn and all the family. May God grant you peace and strength during these difficult days. Love and miss you a lot.
Some of the best memories of my life came from the times my family spent with Leon and his family. Vacations, card games until the early morning hours, and many New Year's Days were spent together, not to mention the times spent together at church.There was always a lot of fun and laughing when we were together. Leon and Mary Ann were the best, loyal friends my family could have ever asked for. Leon was much loved and will surely be missed.
Janice condolences to you and your family.
Aunt MaryAnne, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Leon. We have so many fond memories of time spent in Arkansas and your trips to CA to visit Mom (Jan). Lots of Love, Thoughts, and Prayers for you, Ricky, Steve, and the rest of the family!!
Mary Ann so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to hear about Leon's passing.You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruby
Hes lkved and never forgotten.
Hes lkved and never forgotten.
Janice I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. Just know your in our prayers.
Mary Ann,
We were so sorry to hear of Leon's passing. We have been friends for 40+ years and had had some great times at each others homes. Words seem so inadequate to express our feelings at this time of your grief and sorrow, but with the help of Christian friends hopefully each day will be a little easier...Please know that we will be praying for you and your family during this time.