Visitation: Thursday, September 1, 2022
Visitation Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Visitation Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Thursday, September 1, 2022
Service Time: 10:00 AM
Service Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Philip Thomas Gray, 75 of Deltona, departed this life on Monday, August 22, 2022. Philip was born on May 21, 1947, in Jamaica, New York to Audrey and Thomas Gray. Philip was employed as a bus driver with Orange County Public Schools. Prior to OCPS, Philip also worked for IBM, Grand Prairie School District of Texas, New York City Transit Authority and Rooms-To-Go. Philip served in the United States Army as a Platoon Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1969.
Prior to leaving New York, Philip was a member of Allen A.M.E Church, Queens, NY. Once residing in Texas, he joined Friendship- West Baptist Church where he was a member of JC Holmes Male Chorus, and Operation BLACC Men’s ministry. Philip continued to be a part of OBLACC and would join their ministry meetings virtually. After relocating to FL, Philip joined St. Marks A.M.E Church and remained a faithful member until his passing.
Affectionately called “Cool Phil,” or “Dr. Phil” Philip loved his family. He took great pleasure in spending time with his daughter, grandchildren, brothers, and hosts of cousins and other relatives.
Outside of his family and friends, whom Phillip loved and cared for deeply, he loved many things and always found a way to share that love with those around him. Top of that list were cooking, traveling and making others laugh. His cooking never disappointed, a skill he no doubt learned from his mother who was also a wonder in the kitchen. Philip brought people together with his dishes and kept them happy and laughing with his humor. With his heart laugh and quick humor, he always made sure everyone was having a good time. Philip‘s enjoyment for life extended to his travels. He loved to travel and would often take trips with his family and friends, cherishing that time they got to spend together and the joy of making new memories. Philip loved life and he showed up for it with joy, laughter, warmth and a contagious energy that made others feel seen and welcomed. His humor, laughter, and zest for life will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted daughter, Aletha Gray; brothers, Glenn Gray Sr. (Joyce), Michael Gray (Luella); companion Marguerite Blake; granddaughter, Jasmine Gray; great-grandchildren, Zion and Skyler McCurtis; and a host of other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 9:00 AM until services begin at 10:00 AM, St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando with Pastor Terence R. Gray, I, officiating. Interment: Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL with full military honors.
12 Comments
I’m sorry to know of Brother Gray’s passing. May love surround you. May faith sustain you, May hope encourage you .. Day by Day. My prayers and condolences to the family.
Us: How you doing Phil?
Phil: Terrible.
Us: OH No. Why?
Phil: I thought you’d never ask. AND since you did..I’m doing ‘GRAYTE’ because its just another day in Paradise.
Me: I love you brother more than ever missing you. I know we’ll meet again.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. (Entire Gray family and friends) we send our prayers and love. Praying God’s peace and comfort. We love you.
“Uncle Phillip” as he was known to me as a kid was one of the most grnuinely loving and care people I have ever met. When he smiled at you he did it with his whole heart. He words were always supportive. He will be missed dearly.
The JC Holmes Male choir send our Prayers and Condolences to the family. My FBF, Deacon Charles Smith 💐💐💐💐
You are going to be missed by many of us I always remember you saying I’m terrible and come pull my hair while waiting in line for my tablet and then I’d ask who pulled my hair and you would just smile you don’t know how much we will miss you in GPISD not a goodbye it’s see you soon friend sending prayers for all your wonderful family
My condolences and prayers to the family and friends, may God strengthen the everyone during this difficult time. God Bless.
My condolences to the family at this difficult time. God bless and comfort the family.
Uncle Phil as I called him you were a true inspiration to me I’m going to miss that sense of humor. Will misses that smile. Miss you but will see you again. My condolences to the family.
You’ve earned your Golden Crown – wear it like the royalty you sre
My sincere condolences to the Gray family on the loss of your beloved Phil. He was part of our family during his time in Dallas.. He was always a welcomed sight at so many get togethers and was an igniter for getting things started. Our hearts ache knowing we won’t hear his jubilant voice during the rest of our stay on this earth. May the lord give the Gray family the strength to make it through this sorrowful time.
Rest In Peace Phil until I see you again.
I met Phil many moons ago when he come for a visit to Ms. Johnson-Riley”s house when he was on leave. He knocked on the door and I answered. For some reason, I lashed into him angrily without really knowing him. Well, you can’t judge a person by what was said about him. My big error! Throughout the years(50+), and miles apart, I kept up with him and the Jamaica Crew. Now, his name has been called and he will be with out ancestors, but will be remembered by those he has left behind. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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