Graveside service for Dudley Gray, age 95 of Ardmore, TN, will be conducted Wednesday at 1:00 pm at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Rev. Milton Martin officiating. Higgins Funeral Home is in charge of services. Mr. Gray passed away Monday morning in Donalson Care Center.
A native of Lincoln County, Mr. Gray was the son of the late Henry and Lilly Mae Camp Gray. He was a veteran of WW II and the Koran Conflict. Mr. Gray was a retired employee of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas.
Survivors include four sons, Dudley A. Gray, Jr of the Coldwater Community, Robert Gray of
Alaska, Douglas and Howard Gray both of Arkansas, daughter Linda May Gray of Arkansas, three sisters Bertha Sisk of Winchester, Alma Toney of North Carolina, Aileen Sivley of New Market, Alabama, several grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home prior to services.
Higgins Funeral Home is assisting the family of Dudley Gray.
Dad, I never got to spend quality time with you, never had a smile or word of encouragement as I was growing up but always knew that you were my Dad. We began our adult relationship in the late 70’s through the time of your passing. The one thing you gave me was a strong name and I have lived my whole life honoring the GRAY name. So I’ll await the time that we can be together forever on the other side of the veil. Love you, your Son Bob
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It almost seemed impossible
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heavens Gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity,
And all I’ve promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day’s the same way
There’s no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things
You knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you’re free.
So won’t you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.