BOYKINS—William Richard “Billy” Gray, Jr., 72, passed away March 22, 2016 at his home. A native of Southampton County, he was a son of the late William Richard Gray, Sr. and Virginia Crowder Gray and was also predeceased by two brothers, Calvin and Gene Gray.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church and was the owner of Gray’s Auto Repair Service.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Betty Jean Gray, a daughter, Sheila G. Bailey (Keith) of Boykins, a son, Jason W. Gray (Wendy) of Rocky Mount, NC, two sisters, Dorothy G. Datto (Phillip) of Madison Township, PA and Kathy G. Vann (Bobby) of Boykins, two grandchildren, Robert Lee Nicholson, IV (Amanda) and Sarah Juszli and two great grandchildren, Robert Lee Nicholson, V and Jackson Lewis Nicholson.

A funeral service will be held at 2PM Friday March 25, 2016 in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin with Pastor John D. Kinsey officiating. Burial will follow in Beechwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home and suggests that memorial donations be made to Faith Baptist Church, 951 West Atlantic St., Emporia, VA 23847. www.wrightfuneralhome.org