The Leonard Gray

Reverend Dr. Leonard F. Gray was a man of distinction and honor who entered this world on February 27, 1937 and completed his journey on January 16, 2021. To the community, he was a leader, a Pastor, an educator, a visionary, and a confidant. To his family, he was a loving husband, he was a beloved father, grandfather, and uncle, a provider, a counselor, and a shining example of a life that everyone should purpose to live. He leaves a legacy of service and dedication that will never be forgotten. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Gray was the youngest of 5 children. His parents, the late Lee Andrew Gray and Mary Etta Cargill were both from Oklahoma. Dr. Gray grew up in Stillwater, OK and moved to Hutchinson, KS at the age of 8 yrs. old. He attended primary and secondary school in Hutchinson and enlisted in the US Military where he proudly served his country in the US Air Force, US Army, and the KS Army National Guard. Dr. Gray married the love of his life, Betty (Marlin) Gray on March 6, 1965 in Sylvester, GA and they enjoyed 56 beautiful years together. Dr. Gray entered the workforce after the military and was a retired disabled veteran's outreach person (DVOP), a retired electrician, and a retired Hutchinson Firefighter. Also following his retirement from the military, he completed educational studies at Hutchinson Community College, and Albany Vocational Technical School where he received a certificate in Electrical Construction and Maintenance. He then attended Sterling College in Sterling, KS where he not only received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Christian Education but served as the Chaplain of Sterling College as well. Dr. Gray received his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Divinity from Survine Theological Seminary in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Gray was a lifelong learner, a bible scholar, a gifted singer, and avid reader, hunter, and fisherman.

Dr. Gray gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was ordained as a Deacon on Dec 12, 1982 under the leadership of Rev. W.C. Tillman at Second Missionary Baptist church in Hutchinson, KS. As a deacon, Dr. Gray was very active in the Laymen's movement in the Kansas Missionary Baptist State Convention. Dr. Gray was licensed to preach on Oct 2, 1983 and was ordained on July 26, 1987 by Rev. W.C. Tillman. Dr. Gray answered the call to Pastor Second Missionary Baptist Church in Dodge City, KS, Second Missionary Baptist Church in Newton, KS, and Second Missionary Baptist Church in Junction City, KS. He served in many leadership roles including Moderator of both Southwest and Smoky Hill Districts as Dean of Western Baptist Bible College - Junction City Campus, as President of the Kansas Congress of Christian Education, as the 3rd Vice President of the Kansas Missionary Baptist State Convention, and as an Instructor in the Kansas Missionary Baptist State Convention for many years. His vision, teaching, and leadership led many to accept Christ as their personal Savior. Though he was instrumental in the development of numerous Adult and Youth ministries, community and building projects, he wouldn't want them all to be listed. He would simply want it to be known that he served Christ in all that he did.

Dr. Gray was known to many as a gifted preacher and teacher, and a dedicated pastor of his flock. Those who knew him best will forever remember his quick wit, his infectious laugh, his kind heart, his love of gospel quartet music, and his favorite hobbies: camping, fishing and hunting.

The Lord called his servant home from labor to reward on Saturday, January 16, 2021. Rev. Dr. Leonard Gray is preceded in death by his father Lee Gray and his mother Mary Etta Cargill, his sister Leola Cherry and brothers Johnnie Gray, Othel Gray and Willie Gray.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Gray, his children: Gia Gray of Junction City, KS, Rev. Jon Gray (Shalaunda) of Kansas City, KS, Garel Gray of Hutchinson, KS, Sylvia Armstrong (Mitchell) of Houston, TX, his grandchildren: Alliyah Gray of Hutchinson, KS, Tavian Gray of Hutchinson, KS, Quinton Gray of Kansas City, KS, D`Naeya Gray of Hutchinson, KS, Jarron Gray of Kansas City, KS, Trenton Gray of Kansas City, KS,
Kentoria Thomas of Pine Bush, NY, Curtis James Adam Jr. of Houston, TX, and 1 great grandson: Taylor Demond Adams of Houston, TX. He also leaves behind extended family members whom the Lord blessed he and his wife with: Jacqueline Wyman-Steward, Brendon L. Steward, Brentton L. Steward, and Brekanye L. Steward.

He leaves also to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, many other relatives, friends, and Church family members.