Frank Carl Gray

ISN'T IT KIND OF GOD THAT....

Frank Carl Gray made his earthly debut on August 14, 1953, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Frank was the second of three children born to Frances Arelia Gray. Second of two children born to Herman Smith. Upon the death of his aunt, he became one of seven children born raised jointly by his mother and his grandmother Mrs. Rena Faison Gray. Having been raised in a Christian home Frank learned early his personal path of duty. Gaining favor with his maternal grandmother he would follow her to Sabbath school and became a lifelong Adventist. Frank joined Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church in Atmore, Alabama where he grew up.

He was educated in the Escambia County School System graduating from Escambia County High School in 1971, Frank excelled in his academic studies and was inducted into the Bobby Ray Bradford Chapter of the National Honor Society. As a member of his high school marching band his instrument of choice was the slide trombone. In honor of his mastery of the trombone Frank was named lead trombonist. Frank also played basketball during his junior year.  He was awarded a music scholarship to Alabama State University. He opted instead to move to Detroit, Michigan where he found employment with the Chrysler Corporation. He would retire from Chrysler after 36 years of excellent service. While in Detroit Frank united with the Burns Avenue SDA Church and was an ordained elder.

In 1978 Frank met the love of his life Delois Smith. After a 7-year courtship he asked for her hand in marriage. On July 7, 1985, they were united in Holy Matrimony, they welcomed a daughter on October 22, 1986, who they named Carmen Alicia. Carmen was daddy’s girl. She was the apple of her dad's eye. He would often write "this is my daughter Carmen in whom I am well pleased." Growing up wherever he went she went. He encouraged her and supported her in her life's endeavors. They also shared the love of a son Jeffery who Frank believed could master any task and because he believed in him Jeffery tackled everything Frank tasked him with. He has left Jeffery to care for his mother and sister and that he knew he would do.

Frank had braved the harsh winters of Detroit long enough and after retirement he and his bride moved to Winter Haven, Florida where they became members of Patmos Chapel SDA Church, He enjoyed worship and had a hunger and thirst for the Word of God. He truly studied to show himself approved. Frank was a Man of Faith who truly believed that his walk should align perfectly with his talk. He wore his faith proudly.

Frank was an avid bike rider, Riding his bike 10 miles a day except on the Sabbath. It was an activity that he and Delois shared. They would travel with their bikes and encouraged others to take up the hobby and make it a habit. Even as his life drew to a close, he continued to ride his bike but more importantly he never grew too ill to study God's word or to worship. Even while hospitalized he could be found worshipping and praising God. His hope was in Christ.

Frank was preceded in death by his mother Frances A. Gray, his father Herman Smith, his grandmother Rena Faison Gray and his baby sister, Sandra Jean Gray.

Memories of a life hidden in Christ will remain with his loved ones who remain.

His wife of 39 years Delois Gray; Winter Haven, FL, daughter Carmen A. Gray, Decatur, GA, son Jeffery Smith ( Shatrina), Ypsilanti, MI, mother-in-love, Mrs. Alice Smith, Minter, AL, grands Shacylah Smith and Jaeden Smith; Ypsilanti, MI, sisters Shirley Gray-Smith (David), Lithonia, GA, Rita Gray, Pensacola, FL, Alvanise Gray and Doris Knott, Atmore, AL, brothers Wayne Gray (Sandra) and Jeffery Gray, Atmore, AL, sisters-in-law Ida Smiley ( Robert) Selma, AL, Diane York, Flint, MI ; brothers-in-law, Easo Smith, Dan Smith, ( Wyleen) , Lee Earnest Smith( Geraldine) Nathan Smith,( Terry ) Detroit, MI , Nathaniel Smith (Enovel), Racine, WI, Dan Earl Johnson, Flint, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.