William Joseph Gray was born in Decatur County, Georgia, August the
24th, 1851. Died October the 15th, 1930. He was, therefore, in his 80th
year when God took him.
At the age of 21, he was married to Miss Mary F. Howren, the daughter
of Rev. Robert Howren, one of the pioneer preachers of Florida Methodism.
Sister Gray stood nobly by his side these many years, sharing his burdens
and assisting him.
To these were born four sons, Robert H., in the employ of the State
at Tallahassee; Robert A., Secretary of State of this Commonwealth; William D., a banker of Winter Haven; and Professor A., principal of the Redlands High School. Aside from the great contribution brother and sister
Gray have made to the cause of God, and the state, themselves, their sons are carrying on the work so dear to their hearts.
Brother Gray was a thoughtful and studious young man. He used every means at his command to fit himself for his life work. He taught school
for a number of years, during which time he was converted and joined the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In early life he felt the call to the
ministry. He was licensed to exhort and exercised that function for several
years, when he was licensed to preach.
In the year 1886, he joined the Florida Conference. He served in the
regular ranks continuously until December, 1922, at that time he was superannuated at his own request. During the years of his ministry he served
only in the Tallahassee District. Brother Gray was a typical circuit rider.
At his own desire and request, his charges were circuits. In many of these
he remained the four year limit, in others beyond that time.
He preached the Gospel in simplicity and power, the young as well as strong men and women were attracted by his ministry.
Brother Gray was a man of deep-seated conviction. He never side-setepped an issue. He met it squarely and stood for the right regardless of
the consequences.
His was a constructive ministry, churches were built up and their influence was increased where he served. He built or remodeled churches
and parsonages in many of his charges. This phase of his activity attracted
the conference. He was placed on the conference board of Church Extension, where he rendered valuable service for many years.
When he felt he could no longer render full service, he obtained a retired relation to the Conference. He made his home at Hinson, where he
had been pastor for a number of years. His interest in the cause of God
did not abate, he being active in all departments of the church, serving as Sunday school superintendent until the time of his death.
Brother Gray as Christian citizen, was always interested in civic affairs. In 1915 his fellow citizens elected him to a place in the House of
Representatives of the state, in which he served with credit to himself and
to his constituency.
A man of God has fallen asleep; but his influence and work abides.
Submitted: F. E. STEINMEYER.