Floyd E Gray

In Loving Memory of the Honorable Floyd Edward Gray Home going services held Saturday, February 17, 2018 11 A.M. Dermott High School Gym 525 East Speedway Dermott, AR Rev. Ralph Carbage, Officiating Repast at St Paul Missionary Baptist Church Sunrise: December 16, 1944 Sunset: February 9, 2018 Floyd E. Gray is the much loved father, husband, former teacher, community leader and former mayor of Dermott, Arkansas. His life will be cherished by many friends, students and citizens who came to know and love him through the years. Mr. Gray and his wife, Ernestine, both taught in the Dermott Public School System until they retired. Afterwards, Mr. Gray took up the helm of public service and ran for mayor. He worked tirelessly for the community. During his tenure as mayor, he supported education and other programs to enrich the community, such as the initiative that led to Dermott Elementary School becoming a recipient of a $100,000 grant in 2011 to be used for computer science and literacy. Floyd Gray accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Dermott. He was born in Chicago, Ill on December 16, 1944 to the parents of Ernest Gray Senior and Jessie Scott. He was raised in Dermott by his grandparents, Ernest and Ethel Gray, and attended Chicot County High School where he graduated as Salutatorian of his class. Mr. Gray went on to receive his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture Education at the University of Pine bluff formerly known as AM &N of Pine Bluff and graduated Suma Cum Laude. In August 6, 1967, he married the former Ernestine Angel Green at a house ceremony in Tiller, Arkansas surrounded by family and friends. They lived happily for over 50 years and had 3 beautiful children. At the Dermott Public School System, Mr. Gray taught Agriculture Education for over 30 years. He retired in 1999, and then served as Mayor of the City of Dermott for 16 years. Some of his many accomplishments included being chosen as Man of the Year in 1999. He was a recipient of the Arkansas State University Regional Leaders Program by the Class of 1999-2000. He presided as president of Dermott Chamber of Commerce 2000-2001. He was also a member of Alpha-Phi-Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He always cherished being a husband, father and pa-pa. Last but not least, he loved to help others by giving advice and lending a helping hand to all. Floyd Gray leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife (cheerleader) Ernestine (Ernie) Gray; his son, Floyd Gray Jr and wife Melissa of Bryant; his daughter, Kira of Dermott; his daughter, Kasunda of Little Rock; his brother, Peyton Gray of Virginia; his sister, Blanche Gray of Milwaukee; 5 granddaughters, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces , nephews and close family and friends. The Gray Family offers the following: You will truly be missed Floyd Gray by your family and friends. We find comfort in knowing we will see you again someday. Rest in eternal peace my love. We love you to the moon and back!!!! We acknowledge with sincere appreciation the many expressions of kindness shown during his illness and during our time of bereavement. Your prayers, calls, visits, flowers and other gifts are deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. May God Bless and Keep you! We would also like to extend a very special "Thank You" to Dermott Public Schools, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, the City of Dermott, Dillard Funeral Home and Davis - Strickland Funeral Home.