Gray, W.T.
4/2/1957
April 9, 1871 - April 2, 1957 |
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| W. T. Gray was horn in northern Alabama on April 9, 1871. He came to Texas in his early life and attended school at Polytechnic College in Fort Worth. He was admitted to the Northwestern Texas Conference In 1MB. He served pastorates there and In The Central Texas Conference. For sixteen years, he was field secretary for the Methodist Home in Waco, Texas. In 1933, he transferred to the Louisiana Conference, serving pastorates at Manghum Memorial in Shreveport, Many, Felicity In New Orleans, Frankllnton, Indian Bayou, and DeQuincy. He retired from the DeQuincy charge, having served for forty-five years in the ministry of The Methodist Church. After his retirement, he made his home in Waco, Texas where he enjoyed the fellowship of friends and neighbors of the years he spent while working with The Methodist Home. He enjoyed good health except for the last months. On April 2, 1957, he answered the filial call of his Lord. His body was laid to rest in Waco, Texas. He lacked only seven days being eighty-six years of age. The home and family life of W. T. Gray was long an Inspiration to those who knew him and his fine family. Besides his wife who survives him, are two sons: George and William Jr., both of Port Arthur, Texas; two daughters, Mrs. Brannon B. Taylor (Louise) of San Antonio, Texas and Mrs. Harold Hassman (Margaret) of Dayton, Ohio. It was a privilege to meet and know Brother Gray, rather intimately, in my early days of my ministry. His counsel was very helpful to me. His life of devotion and service had a pronounced influence on my life. He had a wide knowledge of Methodist History and I appreciated his story of the Church in the early days. He also possessed a great sense of humor and wit. He made very effective use of the wealth of stories he had available from memory—one that would fit every occasion. He retained this cheerful spirit throughout his Die. I feel sure that many churches, communities and Individuals have been strengthened and blessed by the ministry of Brother Gray. His lovable spirit and good cheer and his great faith in the Lord, and his love of people made him a benediction and a blessing. “Servant of God well done, Thy glorious warfare’s past: The Battle’s fought, the race Is won, and thou are crowned at last.’ |
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| Source: Journal of the Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Church, Pages 173-174, 1957 by W. Carl Barham. | |
