William “Bill” Andrew Gray
October 22, 1954 – July 26, 2021
On Monday, July 26th William “Bill” Andrew Gray went to be with the Lord. his Savior after suffering complications from Covid-19.
A lifelong Central Florida resident, Bill recently retired from Taylor Pharmacy in Winter Park, where he worked as a pharmacist. His life was spent serving the needs of others through medicine. First at his Dad’s store, Silver Star Pharmacy. And later on at other pharmacies throughout Central Florida.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Bill was a life-long Gator fan. He found great joy in teasing his friends faithful to the other Florida college.
He was also an avid fisherman. Any time he was free you would find him on the lake casting for his next fish.
As on the lake, so also in his life. He opened up about his love for Jesus to anyone who would listen. Casting his testimony out to others in their time of need to help pull them into the safety of Christ’s love for them.
He was a faithful husband to Sherry for 42 years.
He was a faithful father to Tim (Carolyn) and Amy (Chris) McKelvey for 40 years.
He was a faithful Papa to his grandchildren: Peyton, Riley and Jackson McKelvey, and to Tanner and Jacob Gray. These five children were the joy of his life; he attended every sport event in which they participated with excitement and enthusiasm. He loved nothing more than being their greatest fan. Papa’s lap was the preferred seat wherever they gathered.
He was a faithful brother to his sisters Bettie (Dennis) Jackson of Gainesville, and Debi (Tom) Walter of Orlando, his brother Stan (Terry) Wade of Umatilla, and his brother-in-law Terry Newmons of Apopka.
He was a faithful Uncle to Jason (Ashley), Tracy Lytle (Seth), Heather Aznaran (Matt), Mitzi Nielson (Drew) and PJ (Kiersten) Jackson.
A faithful friend, he was loved by all who knew him, as he loved them in return.
Bill and Sherry were members at Grace Church in Orlando where he led a home group of couples also seeking to know Jesus more.
Bill is preceded in glory by his Father, Stanley E. Gray and his Mother, Leota Gray.
A virtual service will be held on Saturday morning at 10a. Details will be announced on Bill Gray’s Facebook page.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 ESV
Paula Stevens and Sharon Nicklaw says
Bill, your were a great pharmacist and great friend. We enjoyed the gator/ bulldog rivalry and will miss you. May you rest in peace.
Pamela and Mark Stephens says
May the precious memories of Life with Bill bring smiles and joy in the midst of the loss. Knowing our promise to ‘meet again’ brings HOPE. Assured of his heavenly joy upon arrival in Jesus’ arms brings comfort.
Cape Off Bill
Wings On
♥️
Martha Tingley says
My sons were greatly influenced by having Bill as a Christain friend during their teen years. Wade, Kenneth, and Scott Tingley now adult men saw through example what real men are. God bless you!
.
Cyndie Bond McQuaig says
To my family, all of you… I have watched and waited for each update for Billy and Sherry for weeks and would pray and remind God that Billy was soooooo good. I begged Him to heal them both because they both are the kindest most gentle cousins I have. I rejoiced as Sherry got better and prayed for healing here for Billy but healing for Billy was to look different. But what most struck me was how blessed I am, we are, to have to faithful family! As you all fought so hard and did everything in your power I watched you release Billy to Jesus arms with an amazing faith that strengthened my faith. Big Mama’s prayers over each of us were answered. In your pain you gave God the glory and my prayer now is for him to wrap His arms around you all as this next season is ushered in. I am so sorry Billy died from COVID but I am so happy he is in heaven waiting eagerly all of us joining him one day soon. Thank you for your faithfulness in this storm. I love you and am proud we are family.
Beth Longshore and my brother and sisters (the children of Alvin and Mary C. Davis) says
Remembering Bill today, and how he touched so many lives!!
Brenda Rushing says
We loved being in Bill and Sherry’s church family group. I always looked forward to his smile and serving as greeters at church on Sunday mornings.
We can’t see you right now Bill but we will most definitely see you in heaven one day.
Randy Green says
Bill was a great man of God. Sherry we are praying for you and your family. May blessings be upon you all.
Christine Akers says
Billy was truly a remarkable man. He was such a loving and caring friend to everyone. We will miss his presence in this world but he will live on through his beautiful family and the great memories he has made with so many of us. It will be such a wonderful day when we are all reunited in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sherry, Tim, Amy, Betty, Debi and all of your family. I love you all.
Andrew Hyer says
Bill,
I will miss you my friend. Your smile, kindness, generous heart. I’ve always thought of you as a father figure. When it comes to examples of loving others, you were at the top of my list. Even as I type I can’t help but cry as I reflect upon your charachter and how thankful I am to have known you. I know you made me a better person. I will forever treasure our memories: weekends grilling out watching the Gators and high fiving at every touchdown, playing cards, watching 24, and all the wonderful conversations we had over the years. I’m thankful I will be friends with your family for years to come, and see your kindness in them.
Love,
Andrew
Judy Brown says
My deepest sympathy to everyone in the family snd friends of Bill.
Peace be with everyone 🕊🙏🏻
Kristy Iavarone says
Mrs Sherry both Gianna & I are heartbroken over the passing of Mr Bill. We are terribly sorry for your loss!! Mr Bill was a angel n a huge blessing to all who knew him! For the 6 years we worked together he was the light of everyday! He was amazing and we prayed together everyday in his office! As well as me always popping in a n your FaceTime calls with Jackson so I could say Hi! We had so many positive conversations & laughs. He was one in a million! I will be forever greatful how he touched my life at my darkest days! We will continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time! The lives Mr Bill touched he was a angel ! His memory will live on forever & I will hold him dear to my heart always ❤️
Sheree (and Benny) says
To all of Bill’s favorites, his precious family:I ‘m so sorry that you won’t be able to hear humorous and meaningful testimonies about your husband, dad, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. But I pray this written words of love will be available for generations to come about the wonderful man he was! When I think of the times I was with Bill, I think of his smile. He always greeting me with a smile and hug. My fondest memory was at Amy’s wedding. What a proud and sentimental dad! He loved his little girl-turned-wife with such warmth and tenderness. You could see in on his face and in his eyes! Family, to Bill, meant everything. I’m thinking of him in the cloud of witnesses, cheering all of you on! But somehow I wonder if the “clown of witnesses” might be a little more fitting? He won’t have Debi to tease and torment but I’m sure he will find someone to replace her for awhile.
May the Comforter Himself lavish each of you in His presence until he greets you again on That Day.
Becky Combs says
We love & respect Bill and his family so much! We had the privilege of going to church with them years ago. We are so sorry for such a great loss to such a sweet, humble family.
We are praying that the family continues to grieve as those who have their hope in Jesus.
We are grateful for Bill’s willingness to point people to Jesus!!
Todd Twining says
My heart is with you all. Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Cynthia (Cindy) Vanlandingham says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time in your lives.
Bill was a gracious and loving soul. He touched many people during his lifetime. I am honored to have known him.
It will definitely be a day of rejoicing when we all get to heaven to spend our eternal life with family and friends who have gone before us and our Lord and Savior.
Angie Mendez says
We are so saddened by your loss, and Eric and I will continue to pray for God’s grace to be evident as you grieve and for peace as you celebrate Bill’s life and his legacy of living for and loving Jesus!
Paul Versluis says
Our sincere condolences to Sherry, Tim, Amy and the family. Bill’s passing will definitely leave a huge hole in our life as he was such a great encourager to anyone who knew him. I thank the LORD I had the privilege of knowing him and having him as a trusted friend for so many years. Our hearts are heavy at the moment, but look forward with anticipation to a reunion one day when our faith also becomes sight!
As I come to the reality of Bill’s passing, the LORD reminded me of a passage of scripture found in Luke 16:22 that angels came and ushered Bill into the Kingdom of our Lord.
Now may the LORD comfort you all as you continue on in this journey called life, knowing that one day we’ll see him again.
Love Paul and Alice
Mike Johnson says
I really enjoyed working with Bill here at Taylor’s Pharmacy. He was always a great pharmacist caring person and a good friend. He loved his wife and family so much that when I’d ask if he could work a particular weekend he did not check his schedule he checked to grand kids to see what they were doing. Everyone will miss Bill and never forget him.
Mike Johnson
Alba Vazquez says
I still can’t believe it. Your departure has left a great void for me. I will always be the most humble pharmacist, friendly, the best. I have no words. I know that you are in a better place.
Alba Vazquez says
I still can’t believe it. Your departure has left a great void for me. You will always be the most humble pharmacist, friendly, the best. I have no words. I know that you are in a better place.
shelby owens says
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy and a joy to work with. His joyful personality was infectious. I know that he still has a great work to do with the Lord. May your faith bring you comfort during this time of grief. Families are eternal.
Laura Scully says
Our condolences to the family. I will always remember Bill’s smile and laugh. He always seemed to have that smile, even if times were rough. Praying for your loss. May he and you all have peace in God’s arms.
Lynn klahn says
So sorry Amy for the loss of your father. I’m so glad that he believes and is now home with God.
Frazier says
To be away from the body……and Bill is in His presence. Thank you Bill for a life well lived.
We hold you up, Sherry, and all the family in prayers for comfort from God.
Love, Rob and Debbi.
Dottie Pilcher says
So very sorry to hear about Billy. He was such a good, kind person. Prayers for his wife, children and grandchildren. Our family has many wonderful memories of our Powers Drive family. The Gray’s were a big part of that era.
Love, Dottie Freeman Pilcher and family
Tim Thorson says
One of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever had the good fortune to know. Bill was my next door neighbor growing up in pre-Disney Pine Hills, and was a great friend to both me and my brother Jack. The epitome of a true gentleman, his like becomes rare as time passes and culture change seems to suggest the demise of simple decency. My sincere condolences to the family from me, Jack, and my sisters Maren and Krista.
Debi says
Thank you Tim. We shared a lot of great memories together. He leaves a big hole right now in our family, but we grieve with hope that we will be together again in a place that is perfect in all ways. Give my love to your family.
Debi Gray Walter
Michael Lowder. Flyers little league team says
Rest high on the mountain old friend.
Joy (Smith) Oney says
I grew up knowing the Gray family, however I did not know Bill in his adult years.
It sounds like he was a man that his family was proud of and I am sure God was as well.
Sending my heartfelt condolences and love to Debi and Bettie as well as his wife and children.
He no longer sings, “I can only imagine”, as he has seen the face of Jesus now.
Roberta Woodward says
May our Lord comfort those left behind. It is a blessing to know of his faith.
Roberta, class of ’77, University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
Eve Walden says
Truly, one of the kindest souls I had ever met. Praying for your family.
Mary Reel says
Sherry, praying for you and your amazing family today as you celebrate Bill Gray ‘s Wonderful Life. A Life well-lived and a Legacy never-ending.
I have such fond memories of your Bill: his outlook on life, his integrity, his hugs, his humor. You guys built a home of Hospitality & Welcoming and Jud Reel & I were recipients of that. “Come on over! There will be games, food & fun and YOU’RE invited!” Belonging is so important and you have done it well, my friend. Though we haven’t seen you since we moved from Orlando, my memories of Bill especially resonate with his ENCOURAGEMENT & ACCEPTANCE – NO judgement! What a valuable thing, especially today! I wanna be like that. Even through my rantings back in the day about…whatever (!), I knew he was FOR me. He listened, then maybe a comment or a good-natured joke. Because he listened, I could hear his thoughts about…Life. What a great legacy – Loving God and Loving People! Can’t wait to see you again, Bill. Heaven is sweeter because you are there.
Ashley Seal says
Thinking and praying for your sweet family. I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing him at volleyball tournaments. The nicest man! He will be greatly missed. Continued prayers! I love you guys!
Bill & Donna Thrift says
So very sorry for the loss of this family’s loved one. Our prayers are with each and everyone of you. God be with you through this trying time.
Holly and Finley Mora says
I am so sorry for your loss of this amazing man of God. I know he loved cheering on his granddaughters in volleyball. Carolyn always talked so highly of him. I know God will be by your side. Please let me know if our family could make a donation somewhere in his name. Love and hugs to all of you.
Robin Hudspeth says
Oh Sherri how our heart aches for you. We love you so much. Bill was very special to us too. Praying for you daily!! 🙏🙏🙏. Love forever! Tim & Robin
Ted Shymkowich says
My deepest heartfelt condolences to everyone in the Gray family and all those who knew and loved Bill. He was a wonderful Godly man who demonstrated the love of Christ in so many ways. When I first met Bill I was a non Christian and he was extremely instrumental in leading me to Jesus. I had so many doubts and questions and he always encouraged me to keep seeking the Truth. Bill and Sherry, as true Christ followers accepted my wife and I just the way we were and invited us into their family. We feel very blessed to have been accepted and loved by a true Christian family through the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I miss you dearly here on earth and look forward to our reunion in heaven.
Your friend always,
Ted
Donna Akers says
Thank you loving Father for blessing us with Billy! Our lives are much richer from having known him. We already miss him but we will be with him again one day! Thank you for the assurance that he stands face to Face with you now! Thank you for the comfort and joy You are giving his precious family and all of us who were blessed to be his friends! We love you sweet Billy! We’ll see you when Jesus calls us home! Shine Jesus, Shine! ❤️
John and Theresa Osborne says
Sherry, Tim, Amy and the rest of the family we love you and are so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a good friend. His kindness always made us feel special and was always sincere. We have been blessed to know him and experience his love for Jesus. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Charlie Clenney says
Sherry, Tim and Amy,
We are so saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your families. Knowing Bill and his testimony we can be assured he is with his Heavenly Father. We pray that GOD will lift you up and strengthen you in the days ahead.