Henry B. Gray

Henry B. (Gippy) Gray transitioned from this life on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at OSF Sacred Heart Healthcare.

Henry was born May 7, 1928, in Clarksville, Tennessee, to Henry B. and Anna Mae Tyler-Gray. Henry attended school in Clarksville. Henry moved to Danville, Illinois at an early age. He was employed at General Motors Central Foundry and retired from there after 30 years if service. After he retired from General Motors, he took on maintaining lawns throughout the city. He took great pride in his work.

Henry loved his family and friends as well as his neighbors. He was the “Neighborhood Watchman” on his block. Henry was a devoted husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.

Henry was a cancer survivor of 35 years. His hobbies included watching westerns, sitting in his front yard, walking around his neighborhood, and going to Walmart to visit his friends. He loved to ride the mass transit bus until his health began to fail.

Henry was married to Edythe Hunter-Gray until her passing on June 11, 1969, He is survived by his children; Luther Hunter-Gray, Mark Hunter-Gray, Eric Hunter-Gray, Jimmy Newsome, and Toya Sims. Two sisters, Eddie Bell Christian (Chris) and Ann (Duck) Gray-Fergerson (Robert), and brother-in-law, Robert C. Hunter. Henry is also survived by a special friend and caregiver, Alice Turner, as well as a special niece, Harvetta Rose, who was a daughter to him. Special thanks to Ora Jimson, Fannie Gouard, Theodore Smith, Albert Coleman, and Cornell Davis and a host of family and friends for always being there for him.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, J.D. Gray and his sister Frances Etta Gray.

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at Second Baptist Church, 940 N. Franklin St. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Officiating: Pastor Timothy Shaw Jr. A public viewing will be on Tuesday January 7, 2020 from 1-5 pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St. Danville.

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