William-Gray-Obituary

William H. Gray

Obituary

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. William H. Gray III, who rose to influential positions in Congress and was the first black to become majority whip, died Monday at 71.

Gray passed away suddenly Monday while in London with one of his sons to attend the Wimbledon tennis championships, said William Epstein, a former aide to Gray.

Born in Baton Rouge, La., Gray graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, N.J., before being elected as a Democrat to Congress in 1978. He served as chairman of the powerful budget committee and became the first African-American in the 20th century to become majority whip of the U.S. House. During his tenure, he authored legislation implementing economic sanctions against South Africa.

In 1991, he surprised colleagues by resigning to run the United Negro College Fund, for which a biography on his company website says he raised more than $2.3 billion for minority institutions. In 1994, President Bill Clinton tapped him as a temporary special adviser on Haiti.

Succeeding his father as pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church in 1972, he continued in that position until 2007. Epstein said he commuted back to the city on weekends to deliver Sunday sermons.

Gray also founded Gray Global Advisors, a business and consulting firm of which he was chairman emeritus at the time of his death.

He is survived by his mother, his wife and three sons.

Mayor Michael Nutter hailed him as "a transformative leader among leaders" and ordered flags at all city buildings to fly at half-staff beginning Tuesday.

"He knew guys on the corner, and he knew Nelson Mandela and everyone in between," Nutter said in a statement. "He created a political organization that for decades has continued to be one of the most powerful, productive and progressive forces in the social and political life of our city's history."

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., called Gray "a tireless advocate for the people of Philadelphia and a trailblazer for a new generation of African American elected officials."

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., credited Gray with helping to develop housing for low- and middle-income residents through the nonprofit Union Housing Corp. and with providing federal resources for renovations that have made the city's Amtrak station "one of the best, most efficiently run train facilities in the nation."

"And finally, Bill Gray was my friend — he was the very embodiment of how to turn the power and platform of the House of Representatives for true public service," Fattah said.

RON TODT,Associated Press


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

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Justin and family, my condolences on the passing of your father. You, I and Elizabeth Parris worked at Shaw Pittman and she gave me the news this week. I have since moved south. May the grace and mercy of God continue to keep you as you continue to live life without your family member here on earth. Always remember the good times.

To the Gray Family,

I want to offer my condolence to you in the passing of Pastor William H. Gray. Although I did not know him personally, I did had a chance to visit the Bright Hope Baptist Church a number of years ago. He was a great preacher of the Gospel and a great leader not only for Philadeaphia, but for the entire nation. Keep trusting in God, for He will always be by your side. May the Lord continue to Bless and keep you.

Our deepest sympathy to the Gray family.
We know there are no words that we could say that would ease the pain. But know there is a God in heaven that knows and feel your every burden. Look to him for strength and he will see you through. Our prayers are with you.

I was saddened to read of the passing of this "fine gentleman" in my August 12, 2013 issue of Jet magazine. He was a true pioneer in politics and set the bar for those who followed him. My wish for his family is to let them know that he has been "sending up his timbers" and the works that he has accomplished will never die! May God continue to bless his family always!

My deepest sympathy to the Gray family. Dr. Gray has an amazing legacy that will be cherished forever. Sending out warm wishes of support for Justin and family, at this time and always. From my family to yours.

Charmaine Ravizee

My deepest sympathy to the family. I first met Bill when I was a teenager,and he worked with the youth at Union Baptist Church in Montclair. We all looked up to him.

My sympathy goes to the family and hope that you will take comfort in the Almighty God. Romans 15:33

To the family of William H.'Bill'Gray,III: My deepest sympathy to each of you;I was saddened to hear of the sudden death of my former colleague;Take comfort in God's promise knowing that he is safe in the arms of our Lord and Saviour,Jesus Christ!