Alford Gray

1942 - 2017

Alford Gray

Alford Douglas Geeston Gray was born May 22, 1942 and peacefully passed away on April 8, 2017 at the age of 74 years old.

Alford David Gray, a Baptist minister and Lillian Valerie Gray, a teacher, had six children from their union; four daughters (Jerrye, Alvetta, Patricia and Hallie) and two sons (Alford and Patrick).

The Grays were also lovingly surrounded in the early years by many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Mount Carmel community of Prentiss, Mississippi. Al, better known as "Brother" to some and "Geeston" to others in those days, began his education at Mt. Carmel Elementary School, moving on to Prentiss Institute until graduation from the 12th grade. He left Prentiss to attend Alcorn College; however, after one year, moved to continue and complete his education at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, a division of Loyola University in Chicago, IL.

After spending several years working in the Chicago, IL, and Gary Indiana area, "G.G.", as he was affectionately known in that area, moved back to Mississippi, where he always wanted to return. He lived in the Hattiesburg area for many years, working in the funeral business, as well as working as an independent sales distributor, before relocating in the Jackson, MS area to be more centrally located for his sales business.

Al was blessed with a family that loved and always stood by him. He and his wife of over 36 years, Rica, met on a flight where Rica, who was a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, caught his eye and his heart. Since then, they have faithfully served in their community. Al was in the funeral business most of his life and was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was a devoted member of the New Hope Male Choir and loved the comradery he had with the members. He always expressed his love for the spiritual lessons learned as well as the personal growth gained.

Al's pride and joy were his three children, Alfreda ('Freda), an attorney, resides in Hattiesburg; Joseph (J.P.), lives in Jackson and currently manages the funeral home; and Garrett (G.G.), a Captain in the Army National Guard currently serves in the Washington, D.C. area.

"Mr. Al," as he is known in the Simpson County area, has been a part to the Simpson County community for over 40 years. He has grown not only as a businessman in the community, but also became a friend, with a genuine love for the entire community. As he "learned" people, and they him, a deep love and respect that transcends roles had developed and just became a matter of "how can I help" on both sides.

Having been in the funeral business for most of his life, Al loved what he did, loved the people he served and believed in "doing it right!" He felt everyone deserved to be served with dignity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alford and Lillian Valerie Gray, one sister, Patricia Lewis, one brother, Patrick Gray and one niece, Dionne Lewis.

Alfred leaves to cherish his memory a loving, dedicated wife of 36 years, Rica; one beloved daughter, Alfreda Gray; two devoted sons, Joseph Patrick Gray and Garrett Geeston (Taneshia) Gray; two precious grandchildren, Isabella Gray and Haizell Berry (and one on-the-way, Alillia Gray); three sisters, Jerrye (Fred) Champion, Alvetta Taylor and Hallie (Otis) Markham; three aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and a special "angel" help, Whitney Liles.

He will be sorely missed but his legacy and good works live on….