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William Gray Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Gray
March 8, 2010
Dear Catherine, I was so sorry to hear about Riley. He had the best personality and I absolutely enjoyed working with him so much. Since I have retired, I did not know he was sick. We had the best times at work. Do you remember the Easter Bunny caper.
I have never laughed so much in my life. Also the policy I wrote for him that he used at the Admin Meeting on Monday morning? I thought so much of him and he was the greatest boss ever.
I think of you often and God will help you through all of this.
Love, Margaret Brown RHIA
Morehead City, NC
dean picot
March 5, 2010
I am deeply sorrowed to hear of Riley's departure. While attending ECU I roomed and hunted with Riley. I would meet him at his parents house on those cold winter mornings to go duck hunting @ Catfish impoundments. At that time I had an excellent retriever (Bo) that loved to retrieve and he would stay beside whoever was shooting the most birds. He stayed with Riley the whole day and every day thereafter we duck hunted. Also,over the years I have had the opportunity to meet his family who are exceptional people. Riley not being here has truely left a void in our lives.
Mary Phelps
February 28, 2010
Cathy,
I was so sorry to hear of Riley's passing. I had a few opportunities to be in contact with him over the last several years and he was always so kind and gracious. He will be missed by so many people who had the privilege to know him. All my prayers are with you.
Steve and Caroline Hinson
February 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. May the peace of the Lord be with you each day.God bless your family always.
Carole Schwartz
February 20, 2010
February 20, 2010
I moved into my home in River Bend in 1999. It was ideally located opposite a wooded area alongside a little creek and a wonderful view of the Lakemere pond. To my consternation, that lot facing the pond was sold and up went a house. Well, as it turned out, I lost the view but gained the best neighbor anyone could ever hope to have - Riley Gray.
I had a little trouble with his first name at first! Being a "northerner,"
that soft North Carolina accent had me
baffled. Was it pronounced "Raleigh;"
or "Rollie?" I wasn't sure. However the day did come when it was revealed that his name was "Rily" (long 'i'!) What a relief!
Riley was quite the hunter. How do I know? Well, one day I saw something that looked like a ladder placed against a tree. A day or so later, I was sitting out on the screened porch when I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was a huge buck back in the woods - maybe 8 or 10 points or more (how should I know, I'm no hunter!). Wow! Didn't look like any deer I had ever seen in those woods. Of course it wasn't live. It was Riley's fake buck that he used for
practice!
Snakes! That's another story! We all
found snake skins in our garages from time to time. But, one day, Riley found a live snake curled up in his garage. Talk about fearless, he brought the snake out dangling on a stick. It scared the bejeebers out of me but he was one "cool dude" showing the snake to our neighbor, Bud. It had
orange markings and, according to Riley, was venomous.
When Riley was joined by Catherine, it
made our little neighborhood complete.
"Those were the good old days, my friends, we thought they'd never end!"
It was a special chapter in all of our
lives. A chapter that will live on in
our hearts with joy!
To Catherine and John & Ramona Gray,
My deepest sympathy,
Love,
Carole
February 20, 2010
Cathy,
To you and your family we offer our thoughts and prays. May the Peace of the Lord be with you.
Butch & Letha
donald brinson
February 19, 2010
.I wished I had knew him better.What little I was around him, I truly cherished. A great person to talk to.But then again the whole family is.Someday I will see him in heaven, and I can get to know him real, real good.Bless all of you. You are loved. Be strong Catherine.Love y'all.Donald Brinson
February 19, 2010
Catherine,
Just wanted you to know that our many prayers are with you.Jesus tells us that He will never leave us, and I know that He is with you now.Remember that Riley is not gone,he is just away for a while.We will all see him again one glorious day.Take care of lil"Abbie.And,thank you so much for loving Riley,and caring for him.
Rose and Greg
February 19, 2010
May God bless each of you during this difficult time. Riley will always be with you in spirit and the memories you have of him will grow sweeter each day. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kelly Cayton Jones
February 19, 2010
February 19, 2010
Catherine,
We,at River Bend Church express our sorrow for your loss. Even though I feel I did not know you well as you went to the early services, I look forward to seeing more of you. God bless you and your family and you will be in our prayers.
Susan Bayliss(RBBC)
Roger Warren
February 19, 2010
February 19, 2010
On behalf of all the members of G & H Hunt Club I want to let the family know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Words cannot truly express the deep sorrow that is felt by each member of the club and so many others.
Riley is a true friend to each us and we will always value that friendship.
With Sympathy,
Roger Warren and
All members of G & H Hunt Club
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Tammy Wetherington Hardison
February 19, 2010
To Cathy, Mr.John, Mrs. Monie, Helen, Monie June, I loved Riley very much. I will miss him, but the blessed hope I have is I will see him again in Heaven. I have many loving memories of our childhood growing up that I carry with me. Riley was an awesome man. Cathy, I wish you could have had him longer. I will pray that God will hold you close and comfort you. May all of you be comforted in your loss. I love yall.....Tammy Wetherington Hardison
February 19, 2010
February 19, 2010
I am very sorry to learn of the death of Riley. Riley was a real sportsman and loved hunting. He never met a stranger and was liked by everyone. I enjoyed talking with Riley and hunting with him. Riley will be missed by me and all who knew him. We can have comfort knowing he is at peace with the Lord. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
God Bless,
Roger Warren
Roanoke Rapids, NC
February 19, 2010
2-19-10
Catherine and family,
We at RiverBend Baptist Church certainly send our condolences to you and your family. I do not know you very well as you went to the early morning services. I feel I have missed much in not doing so. God bless your family at this time and know that we are praying for you.
Susan Bayliss
February 19, 2010
Ramona and Helen,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your bother. You and your family are in my prayers.
Mary Tripp
Calemine Family Reunion July 2009
Joe Calemine
February 19, 2010
Ron & Janet Garner
February 18, 2010
Please let me share what Riley meant to my life. It was 5:30 A.M., and someone was tapping on my bedroom window. It seemed like I had just gone to bed. It could only be one person, Riley. I am sure if we had cell phones this would have been worked out ahead of time but that is not the way we operated in the 70s. Honestly I don’t remember actually planning any trips except our last one. When it came to hunting, these early mornings were a special part of our lives. A lot of friendship happens with that first cup of coffee. Often I would have no idea where we were going until the sun came up. These trips were always cherished outdoor times worthy of any sports show. Putting Manfred out into a cut-over field, launching the old boat, or just wading through a frozen swamp with leaking waders, each experience was special. Eight years ago we rekindled our hunting relationship with a 4-day turkey hunt in GA. During four days, two 40-something kids re-entered that special place in their hearts and minds, ate cold ham and cheese sandwiches, and walked backwards in time. It was a blast. Yes, we saw turkeys but no one fired a shot. It was just fun to be 20 again.
Therein lies what Riley gave us all. We should all try to be “Riley-like” for someone. Get them up, get them moving, and turn dreams into memories. He will always remain in my life and as long as he keeps coming and tapping at my window I will keep getting up and going on adventures.
Janet and I have a multitude of sympathies for the Gray family. We are so sorry for your loss and we share in your grief.
Ronnie & Mitzi Hobgood
February 18, 2010
Cathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Fling
February 18, 2010
Monie and John, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I never met his wife but when I did see him he told me what a wonderful girl he had married. As we grow older we all go our different ways as it should be, but I know my son and daughter as I will always remember the good days when they were all coming up together. You and I have talked about these days and they will be remembered dearly. May God give you and your family comfort at this time. A dear friend. Donna Fling
Denise Wilson
February 18, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Riley was a great guy who will surely be missed.He was a terrific Brother-in-law and my children will always have many fond memories of their "Uncle Riley".
Susie Robinson
February 18, 2010
Aunt Monie and Uncle John:
I am so sorry. I really can't find the words but know that Riley and Aunt Opal were always in my prayers. I asked God that they not suffer so HE decided it was time HE took them home. This place is only our temporary home and the one that is waiting for us is even more glorious. I know that is where Riley is. Probably beside Aunt Opal sitting on some cotton. (: They will all be waiting for us when it is our time to go home. I know your hearts must be breaking and I pray that God will give you comfort and peace. I love you. Susie
Paula Cutts
February 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and I pray God will give you all the peace and strength you need. I knew Riley through DIXON HUGHES we talked almost daily as he would call in for Garry Bowman or Ronnie Cook and I am their assistant I would answer the phone we would joke and laugh before I transfered him to the person he was wanting to talk to at that time. Riley was always pleasant to talk with he will truly be missed by anyone who came in contact with him is was truly one of a kind a great person!
February 18, 2010
Cathy, I am so sorry to hear of Riley's passing. My thoughts go out to you and Riley. I didn't get to spend much time with Riley, but those few times are very memorable. Riley always seemed so positive about everything, never complained, loved the great out doors. Its nice to know he finially got his elk. My last memories of Riley are at our family reunion last July and how he helped us get that tent up. He figured it all out and came up with the plan. I am sure his experiences with the out doors were applied to the tent construction. I wish we could have been neighbors. I'm sure I would have been asking him for adivce. Joe Calemine, Culpeper, Va.
Wendy Wiggins
February 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and I pray God will give you all the peace and strength you need. I worked with Riley at Lenoir Memorial Hospital and he was such a wonderful person!
February 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Money and your family.
Cathy Link
Athens, Ga.
Vicky Quidley Gladson
February 18, 2010
Riley was a neighbor of mine years ago. He was a kind & caring person. After he moved, I was always glad to see him. I know that you all have great memories. Keep those memories close to your heart, they will get you through the rough days ahead. Do not mourn his death, but celebrate his life! That's what Riley would want. My prayers are with your family as this time. May God's blessings give you the strength for the days ahead.
Julia Nelson
February 18, 2010
Dear Catherine, my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. May the peace of Christ be with you always.
Robert Lunaas
February 18, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear this news. It has been some time, years since we spoke. I do remember when we started playing church league baseball for West Presbyterian Church many years ago.I was 10 and he was 8 years old. He was a very good baseball player. May God comfort and bless the family and friends in the days ahead. Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Mark and Carolyn Bessette
February 18, 2010
Our thoughts and continued prayers to the Gray Family as we will miss Riley, we are both truly blessed for having him as a friend and fellow Pirate.
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