Dennis Gray

1947-2020

Posted

Dennis Morrison Gray, 73, St. James, passed away Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 24, 1947, to Audrey James “A.J.” and Edythe Leona Morrison Gray, in Waynesville.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Hayden, March 16, 1968, in Belle.

Dennis was a 1965 graduate of Belle High School and later attended St. Louis Christian College. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1966 and worked his way up to 1SG. He served for 25 years in the 471st Engineering Company in Rolla — a construction support company.

Dennis attended First Church of God in St. James where he was active with the youth group. In 1992, along with wife, Sharon, Dennis helped start New Hope Church of God, where he later served as pastor for over 20 years. During this time, Dennis helped start the Christian teen center, “A Place in the Son.” Dennis also owned and operated Gray Trucking Company for many years.

He is preceded in death by parents, A.J. and Edythe; and sister, Jennifer McGinty.

He is survived by wife, Sharon; children, Jennifer Landis and husband John of St. James and David and wife Katherine and Bryan and wife Pamela, all of Rolla; brother, Jim Gray and wife Letha of Harrison, Ark.; brother-in-law, Charles McGinty of Joplin; and seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 4, at Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Ralph Green officiating. Memorial contributions suggested to Southeast Missouri Transportation Services or First Church of God Youth Group.