Johnnie Leon Gray

Johnnie Leon Gray, 76 of Gautier, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on Thursday

May 13, 2021.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary Ellen Gray. 

He is survived by his wife of 25-1/2 years, Karen Marie Gray.

Leon was born in Jackson, Mississippi on November 29, 1944.  He graduated from Murrah High School there in 1962.  He received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Mississippi College in 1966 and a Master of Music Degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1968.  He studied for the Doctoral Degree at UT and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1968-1970. 

He served many churches throughout his life including First Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  As an entertainer he performed live, on television, and on radio in Midwest, East, and Southeast states as well as Canada.  He was an active voting member of NARAS and voted on the Grammy Awards for 25 years.  He owned Legend Valley Records and Leon Gray Music Publishing.  He retired in 2006 from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College serving as Fine Arts Chairperson. 

Without a doubt he valued his wife of 25-1/2 years, Karen, as his best friend and soulmate. Leon's love for God was always immeasurable.  He believed his body would die, but his soul would live forever. 

The Future's for certain it’s the present that's hurting and the past is over and done.

Visitation will be Monday, May 17, 2021 ay O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home Pascagoula from 11am -1pm with funeral service to follow in the chapel. Interment will conclude at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Gautier.  Stories and condolences may be shared at www.obryantokeefe.com.

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