Edward Gray
May 01, 2011
Edward “Sam” William Gray, beloved husband and father, made his transition from this world on Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Edward was born February 17, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Leo Johnston and Laura Gray. Edward grew up on the south side of Chicago and was a member of Hyde Park High School’s class of 1959.
In 1965, Edward enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and served 3 years. His service in the Army would take him around the world and back with stops in Alaska and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968, and received numerous decorations including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal and M-14 expertise.
After leaving the Army Edward returned to Chicago, where he studied and became a trained locksmith.
Edward met Bertha, his loving life partner in 1963. They married in 1968. Edward and Bertha lived in Chicago until 1979, when he accepted a job transfer to Des Moines, Iowa. While Edward continued to raise his family in Iowa where he settled, the family made regular trips back to his home of Chicago. Edward retired from Kwikset and worked as an independent consultant for several years after. He also rediscovered his love of poker.
Edward was known to family and friends as a symbol of self-determination and resilience. He was a hardworking man who had a thirst for knowledge. He continually educated himself, whether it be in politics, business, sport, or entertainment, and his capacity to learn and retain knowledge was as unparalleled as his beautiful smile.
Edward is survived by his wife Bertha; children, Larry Sutton, Berthetta Morgan, Stine Sutton, Tanya Sutton, and Stacey Gray Akyea (Ansa); grandchildren Issac, Larry Reggie, Bridgette, Larry, Johnathon, Tracey, Dena, Dana, Elliott, LaTanya, Stine, Jr., Anthony, Jr., Darmaile, Christopher, Tawanna Tanya, Jr., Senam, and Cashton, and many great-grandchildren; siblings, Kenneth (Roberta) Gray, Elsie Jefferson, Allen (Sharon) Johnston, and Theresa Banks; and numerous nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his son Darvin Sutton, sister, Lena Stewart, grandson Thurman, and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Burial with military rites will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lola Butler-Howell
05/10/2011
My Uncle Sam was a loving and fun man with a smile that would light up any room god makes no mistakes and he truly has taken a good man LUBS YA and Aunt Bert you will continue to be in my prayers...Love always your niece Lola..
Erin Wilder-Doomes
05/06/2011
Stacey,
It has been many years since we were roommates and sorority sisters at the University of Iowa. You became such an important part of my life and, although we live more than a thousand miles apart and it has been years since we have seen each other, you remain so today. When my father passed away during college, you were there for me and helped me so much. I am so sorry I cannot be with you now. No matter how many years pass or miles there are between us, you will always be one of my dearest friends. I wish there was something I could say or do to make this less painful for you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Aggo Akyea
05/06/2011
On behalf of the Akyea Family in Ghana and the USA ---
It is unfortunate to learn of this sad occurence of the passing of Edward.
It is our prayer that the good Lord will strengthen and comfort you all in this difficult time. It is hard to do away with tears and the pain on your own but will plead that you will cast your eyes on the Lord and fall on Him for He is always there for us through all odds. May He wipe the tears from your eyes.
Rely on the strength of the Lord so you will be able to hold the rest of the family together in the strength of the Lord.
Peace
For to Your faithful, O Lord,
Life is changed, not taken away;
And the abode of this earthly sojourn being dissolved,
An eternal dwelling is prepared in heaven.
-From "Preface of Requiem Mass"
Morning Star Baptist Church
05/05/2011
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
3200 Lincoln Avenue/P.O. Box 30177/Des Moines, Iowa 50310
Church Phone (515) 279-6546*Pastors Residence (515) 274-2060
Rev. Alex Crawford, Jr.
-Pastor-
May 7, 2011
The Lord bless the and kept thee. Numbers 6:24
To the family of Mr. Edward Gray, we, the pastor, associate ministers, and the entire church family extend to you our deepest sympathy in the passing of your loved one. This is a time of gathering all the best of a good life into the pages of memory to be held in the heart forever. Keeping you close in thought and prayer that memories will bring you peace and comfort.
Humbly submitted,
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Family
Rev. Alex Crawford, Jr. Pastor
MICHAEL BORING
05/05/2011
Mrs Gray,
My family and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of your loss.
I knew Ed thru the poker game in Martensdale. He was the first to welcome me into the game and quickly became a trusted friend. I was in awe of his knowledge. He seemed to know lots about any issue that was discussed. Ed was above all a man of integrity. He ran the weekly poker league with class and fairness. His decisions were final but they were always correct and always fair to all. He was quick to help his friends whether is was a visit to the hospital or to jump in and help me plan a charity poker tournament. Ed gave us himself...and we are all better people for having known him. His smile, his knowledge and his undying friendship will be missed.
Miss Bertha, with his class, integrity, and friendship, Ed left this place much better than he found it....And that is a wonderful legacy.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Michael Boring and family
True Light Baptist Church
05/04/2011
May 4, 2011
To the Family of the Edward Gray:
We greet you in the name of Him who said, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. John 11:25 (NSRV).
We at True Light Baptist Church were saddened at the departure of your loved one. One can say so few words at a time of such sorrow and grief. Be assured and strengthened at Gods Word of life that can comfort your family when He declares, Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV).
God understands your pain and will bring comfort and hope in the midst of your grief. Have confidence that Gods love will keep you in the days ahead.
We extend our prayerful concern to Kenneth Gray a member of True Light Baptist Church, and the entire family in your hour of need, and please know that we are here for you. May the Lord of life grant you peace and comfort, for He alone can heal and restore your family.
In Christian love and sympathy,
Rev. William T. Golson, Jr.