William R. Gray Sr.
April 1, 1951 – September 6, 2020
William Richard Gray Sr., better known to friends and family as Billy, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by family at his home in Goochland, Virginia on Sunday, September 6. Billy was 69 years old.
Born on April 1, 1951 in Sylvatus, Virginia, Billy was the son of Virginia Gray Goad and Archie Webb Gray. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969 and married Mary H. Gray on December 2, 1993.
Billy is survived by wife Mary, daughter Faith Howard (Jonathan), son Billy Gray Jr., stepsons Michael Dann (Laurey) and Archie Dann (Diana), five grandchildren and a sixth to be, sisters Barbara Durrette, Lillian Gold, brothers Donald Gray, David Gray Sr., Wayne Gray and Chris Goad, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mr. Gray was predeceased by daughter Janet Renee Gray, sisters Janet Gray and Patricia Carr, and brothers-in-law Joseph “J.C.” Carr and Tarleton Durrette Sr.
Billy owned and operated Professional Sports and Event Photography and Trophies, which provided team photography and awards for sports leagues and dance companies all over Virginia.
A lover of sports, Billy coached basketball for more than 20 years at the middle and high school levels. Notably, he led the girls basketball team at Luther Memorial School to 70 wins over four seasons and coached the varsity girls at Prince George High School for nearly a decade. He also enjoyed playing golf – especially with his friends in charity golf tournaments – fishing and deer hunting.
Billy was well known for his cooking prowess. When he wasn’t commanding the grill at home, he enjoyed donating his time to catering events for friends and civic organizations. He enjoyed combining his passions together in order to have a good time, help a good cause and help those around him that were in need.
Billy was a devoted friend to his fellow John Marshall class of ’69 graduates. The family would like to thank his classmates for the devotion they showed back to him during his time of need over the last few months. Additionally, the family would like to thank the congregation of Corinth United Methodist Church and all friends (new and old) and family who donated to Billy’s GoFundMe.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2020 at Affinity Funeral Service – Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made in Billy’s name to the V Foundation at www.v.org.
We send our deepest sympathy to all of the Gray family. Mary, Faith and Little Billy, please know that Billy will always have a special place in our memories and in our hearts. As Coach Gray he made a lasting impact on the girls of the LMS basketball team. His kindness, concern and fun loving ways will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace and may you abide in the love we know he had for you .
Daisy, Tommy and Malia
My condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
Your UPS Driver Jeff.
My condolences to the family. Coach Gray was an awesome person and Coach. He will be missed!
My condolences to the Gray family. A great to have been loaded so soon. Coach Gray will forever be missed . I’m so thankful to have been coached and loved by him. ❤️
We will all miss Uncle Billy! He’s irreplaceable, but just bring his name up at our next gathering and he’ll once again be the life of the party!! Love you all, and it’s killing me that I can’t hug you, kiss you, and cry with you 😞. We all pray for you together every night before bedtime! Love you!
The Young Family fondly remembers Coach Gray from LMS and pray for Mary , Faith and Billy that you will be strengthened in the days ahead. May Hod surround you with love, support and care. Coach Gray impacted so many lives- he will be missed and always remembered.
Mary Young and Jessica Young Brown
The Arrington and Hendrickson Family would like to extend our condolences during this time. Thank you Coach Gray for the lessons you taught me during the many years of basketball at LMS. Our record was impressive but the life skills learned during those years have impacted the woman I have become. Although you started as just a Coach and friend you quickly became part of our family and continued to be even after LMS. The years dad spent with Coach Gray making trophies always lead to fun family stories. Pig roasts in the pit will always stay fond memories. May God continue to bless and keep the Gray family now and always.
Joan and I share everyone’s profound sadness in losing our dear friend and classmate. Billy made such a positive difference in so many lives, and will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mary, Faith, Billy and the entire family, along with Billy’s many friends.
The Stephenson Family would like to share our deepest sympathy at the loss of such a wonderful person. We recognize Coach Gray to be one of the most generous individuals that we have ever known. His many unselfish acts have touched our family for years, and we will miss him dearly. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Mary and family, so sad to hear this news. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time,. God bless. … Don
My sincere condolences to the Gray family! Coach Gray will truly be missed. He was a very generous and kind hearted person. I really appreciate him taking Brittany under his wing and teaching her not only the game of basketball but great sportsmanship! The times we all traveled to LIT and the celebratory parties leave us with such great memories that will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace Coach Gray!
Condolences to the family, so sorry. I know he will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
John (Dougie) and Esther Melton
My deepest condolences to the Gray family. Coach Gray was a very kind hearted man who I will never forget. He cared for all of his players and he showed it all the time. He was definitely one of a kind & he will truly be missed. Thanks for everything Coach.
Billy was such a great person with many talents. His loss will leave a great void in your life. I can only hope the fond memories of him will temper the profound sadness you must be experiencing.
Hearing of Billy’s passing is so sad! My prayers are for the family he left behind. May God bring you his sweet comfort.
Mary, Faith, Billy Jr, thinking of you all during your time of loss. There aren’t many things that can be said now that will provide the comfort you may need, but please know that Billy (Coach) made a difference in so many lives. That difference transcended the basketball court and impacted people and communities in a positive way all over God’s creation. Truthfully, not many can have that said. God bless you all!