William Gray (23 Dec 1928 - 13 Nov 2019)
In loving memory of William Gray who sadly passed away on 13th November 2019.
William was born on 23rd December 1928, and was the sixth child of Henry George Gray and Annie May Gray. His older sisters Grace, Anne, Elsie, and Ella were probably thrilled to get another little brother, just a year after their brother George was born, and two years after Will came another baby girl, Lilian, with Audrey completing the family three years later.
The whole family lived in a three up three down house in Dartford, first in Carlisle Road and later in St Vincents Road. By all accounts it was a happy household, with Mum Annie taking in other children who needed help, especially during the war years.
Will had a variety of trades during his long working life, and worked for himself as a painter and decorator, and steeplejack. He met Joyce and married in 1953, going on to have four children; Anne, Andrew, Margaret and Ian. Sadly, he lost Andrew in 1997 and Anne in 2001.
Having trained as both a gas fitter and plumber, Will was a very handy man, and was often called upon to help out when practical things needed doing. With no fear of heights, he continued to happily clamber across roofs even when he was in his twilight years. Many of his family have tales to tell of Will doing all sorts of work in their homes. He never turned down a request for help.
After moving home a few times, Will decided to settle in Lincolnshire, where his son Ian joined him. In recent years, Will has been unable to travel far, due to having COPD, and latterly found it difficult to get about without help.
Will passed away peacefully, in his sleep, exactly as he said he wanted to do, and is survived by Margaret and Ian.
donated £60 in memory of William
Thank you to everyone that made a donation at Dad’s funeral. With gift aid adding to the total, your kindness will benefit MIND and help people who have nowhere else to turn. Mental health issues can be silent killers, and affect millions of people, yet are largely ignored. This is the only charity that gives practical help to sufferers. Thank you.
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Dad’s flowers on Nanny and Granddad’s grave.
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Will was a wonderful man always happy go lucky and willing to help anyone, l worked with will for a long time he taught me a lot of things about pipe fitting and plumbing and heating , he loved to go sea fishing with all of us on the boat he would take all the catch home cleaning it and then bring it to our homes for us ,a wonderful man will missed by all, rest in peace Will bless you Ken Sarah Littlejohn.
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Dad thought so much of you, Ken. It was so lovely to see you at Dad’s funeral, and we really appreciate that you came all the way up. Xxx
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He was a wonderful man to everyone always there to help anyone, we will miss you Will. God bless you and rest in peace Ken and Sarah Littlejohn.
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Always remember the happy times spent at the ‘Grays’, especially at this time of the year when Andy (my good friend) and I would have ‘two’ Christmas dinners. One at his house cooked by the lovely Joyce, ably assisted by Anne and Margaret followed - with Andy closely in tow – for a second dinner at my parent’s house. At the ‘Grays’, Bill would open the ‘wine cellar’ and proffer the ‘home brew’ comprising a great variety of fruit wines - I have to say, all these years later, that the Elderberry certainly hit the mark. Never go through Christmas without those happy memories. A toast to Bill, the lovely Joyce (my second mum), Anne and my good friend Andrew. Always in my thoughts. Peace to you Margaret and Ian. Love Will.
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That’s such a wonderful memory, Will. It brought it all back to mind, and a tear to my eye. Xx
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Always in our thoughts.
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Always in our thoughts
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Forever in our thoughts
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Dad loved his motorbike. When Andrew had bikes, they used to tinker with the engines and get in a right mess!
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In Springfields at Spalding. Fantastic summer day. Dad enjoyed our walk around the grounds
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Dad in the caravan with Sammy.
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Rest in Peace, Dad.
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Dad’s flowers on Nanny and Granddad’s grave.
In Springfields at Spalding. Fantastic summer day. Dad enjoyed our walk around the grounds
Dad in the caravan with Sammy.
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