Benjamin Thomas Gray

On July 15, 2018, BENJAMIN THOMAS GRAY, SR.departed this world after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 6, 1932 in Surry, Virginia to Joshua and Maude Gray.

Ben was the fourth youngest child of nineteen. he was educated in the Virginia Public School System. He joined the United States Army in 1953 and served for two years.

After moving to Baltimore, he met and married Annie Smith. From this union 6 children were born, the late Mary, the late Louise, Benjamin Jr., Alvin, Gail and Germaine. He was a family man that loved his extended family in Virginia.

Ben was an entrepreneur and a real estate developer in West Baltimore. He owned several grocery stores in Penn-North neighborhood. The community loved him as a father figure. After retiring, he began a second career as a truck driver. He spent at least seventeen years with Reliable Truck Company for a career that spanned over forty years. He loved fishing and hunting in his spare time.

He loved the Lord with all his heart. He was an active member of the Trustee Board at Nazarene Baptist Church for many years. He also served as the Custodial Supervisor, making sure the grounds were immaculately clean inside and out. It was there that he met and fell in love with Evelyn Thomas. In 2002, they married and have spent sixteen wonderful years together. They transferred their membership to Ray of Hope Baptist Church and served the Lord together. There he served on the Laymen's Ministry and Usher Board.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Evelyn; 3 daughters, Gail Gray, Germaine Turner and Willnet James; 2 sons, Benjamin T., Jr., and Alvin Gray; 2 daughters-in-law, Chris and Lynnette; 1 brother, Frank Gray; 1 sister, Cora Jones; 15 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; 1 step granddaughter and a host of other relatives and friends.