John E. Gray

Woonsocket - Elder John Earl Gray, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, in the Friendly Home with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of the late Bessie (Dandy) Gray. 

Born in Newberry, SC, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary Eva (Chaplin) Gray.

John was a United States Army Veteran and served in the Korean War.

He was a former member of St. James Baptist Church, where he was ordained to the Deacons Ministry in 1990. In 1979, he became an employee at the Woonsocket School Department and worked in the Maintenance Department for 11 years. Then, in 1987, he was promoted to the position of a Painter. He retired in 1994 after 15 years of employment. 

On December 30, 1984, he was elected president of the NAACP Branch of Woonsocket, RI. On December 30, 1986, he was reelected president of the NAACP for a second term. In 1968, John joined the Masonic Order and became a Master Mason. In March of 1969, he was elevated to the 32nd Degree in Mount Sinai Consistory #12. In 1987, he joined the Order of the Eastern Star (PHA).

John coached a Little League Football Team in the City of Woonsocket from 1962 to 1964; his team played in two championship games. He was also a member of the Umpire Association of the Greater Woonsocket, RI, Blackstone, and Bellingham, MA. area. He was one of the founding members of the Tyra Club. 

He is survived by his seven children, Eugene Dandy of Woonsocket, Thomas Gray and his wife Onelia of Woonsocket, Christopher Gray and his wife Carla of Woonsocket, Pamela Williams and her husband Lee of Woonsocket, Allison Gray of Woonsocket, Wendy Gray Burke and her husband Willie, and Vanessa Ward and her husband Eddie of Woonsocket. His niece, whom he raised as a daughter, is Dawn Mecca Dandy-Jones of Woonsocket. One brother, Raymond Gray, and his wife, Carolyn, of Woonsocket. Ten grandchildren, Cara, Lania, Desmond, Nakya, Jordan, Raven, Kiara, Tyheem, Brooklyn, and Isaaih. Seven great-grandchildren, Zariah, Khari, Kalel, D’Mari, Pharaoh, Aziel, and Zyiel. 

He was predeceased by his granddaughter Tiffany and grandson Markeith. 

John Gray's testimony was “Wear Out, Don't Rust Out”.

His Life Scripture was the 23rd Psalm

Elder Grays' calling hours are on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5-8 PM in St. James Baptist Church, 340 South Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895. 

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11 AM in St. James Baptist Church, 340 South Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895. Burial to follow in Union Cemetery, 151 Smithfield Rd., N. Smithfield, RI.

The S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1583 Diamond Hill Rd., Woonsocket, RI 02895, is in charge of the arrangements. 

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