Jethro Russell Gray

Jethro Russel Gray (affectionately known as Jeff) was born on August 28, 1950 in Lawton, West Virginia to the late Robert and Edith Gray.  At an early age, Jeff accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized at Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church, Prince, WV.

It was in the hills of West Virginia where Jethro spent his early years of life that he learned to appreciate nature and the great outdoors.  After attending Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia, Jethro was drafted to the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He received an honorable discharge in 1971 and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio.  In 1973, Jethro was blessed with the privilege of fathering a son, Jeffrey, that passed at 10 years old.  During the later years of Jethro’s life, he was joined in holy matrimony to Joann Petway.  Together they enjoyed taking long walks, assembling jigsaw puzzles and traveling around the country visiting family.  In December of 2016, after 26 years of employment at Estabrook Assembly Services, Jeff retired.  Although Jeff was known to be a bit shy, he generously shared his wisdom and expert skills in grilling, fishing, bird-watching and all things of nature.  Jethro’s peace came from being one with nature while walking and riding his bike through the trails in the park.  On the afternoon of October 20, 2020, Jethro went home to be with Our Father.

Jethro was preceded in death by Jeffrey Lavelle Brinkley (son), Robert Edward Gray (father), Edith Wicks Gray (mother), and Robert Gray, Jr. (brother).  Leaving to mourn his passing is Joann Gray (wife); sisters: Hazel Calloway, Ada Cartwright, Carolyn Gray; brothers:  Rudy Gray (Dreama) and Brad Gray (Frieda), Step-daughters: Stacy Gillon and Marlana Gonzales; grandchildren: Sincere Gillon, Shyne Gillon, Amani Gonzalez, Amira Gonzalez, Asher Gonzalez and Serenity Hilton.