Thomas G. "Tom" Gray, 81, a resident of rural Simpson, passed away 10:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Massac Memorial Hospital, Metropolis.
He was born Feb. 11, 1925, in Simpson. He was the son of Robert Roy Gray and Bessie (Breeden) Gray.
Tom was united in marriage to Virginia L. (Terry) on March 14, 1947, at the Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Together, they enjoyed over 59 years of marriage.In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by a son, Terry (Lida) Gray of Mooresville, N.C.; four daughters, Margaret (John) Tanner of Simpson, Nancy (Gary) Graham of Cincinnati, Ohio, Cara (Steve) Crabb of Herod and Dena (Steve) Newcomb of Denton, Texas; 26 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mildred (Ira Victor) Newton of Aurora, Colo.; a brother, Hayward L. (Janet) Gray of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
  In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Tommy Wyatt Snell; and a brother, Robert Roy Gray.
  Tom was a graduate of Vienna High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater of Operation during World War II. He received a Bronze Battle Star.
  Tom was a farmer. He also worked as a carpenter and later as a contractor. Tom was instrumental in the construction of the Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and had taught Sunday School. Tom and Virginia were involved in missions work in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Texas, as well as volunteer foreign missionaries in Honduras and Mexico. Tom enjoyed memorizing poetry and Bible passages. He could quote from memory the entire Sermon on the Mount. Tom's favorite poem was "Thanatopsis" by William Cullen Bryant.

  Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2006, at the Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church near Simpson. The Rev. Bud McDannel will officiate. Interment will be in the Gilead Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Heyde-Pillow VFW Post of Marion. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. The body will lie in state from noon to service time Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the New Liberty Church Building Fund, c/o Joan Davis.