Obituary of Richard Joseph Gray, Sr.

Richard Joseph Gray, Sr., 81, of Fairfield Twp. passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland. Born in Bridgeton to the late Arthur Gray, Sr., he was the husband of Shirley Beals Gray. Richard was raised by his foster mother and a good friend of his late father's, the late Helen Heights. He had been a resident of Fairfield Twp. most of his life. Prior to his retirement, Richard had worked on the custodial staff and cooking staff at Prudential Insurance Co. in Millville for over 30 years. He had been previously employed by Seabrook Bros. and Sons in Seabrook, the former PJ Ritter Co in Bridgeton and Hunt Foods in Bridgeton. He was a member and deacon at the Bridgeton Church of God. He had also served as a minister and was an accomplished trombonist. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking and fishing. Richard was known for helping less fortunate friends and family members when they were in need. He is survived by; his wife, Shirley Gray of Fairfield Twp.; six children, Shirleen Gray of Bridgeton, Violet Gray of Fairfield Twp., Rodney Gray of Fairfield Twp., Jonathan Gray (Dana) of Millville, Robert Gray of Bridgeton and Tosha Gray of Bridgeton; 17 grandchildren, Nakeya Gray-Harris (Jamaal) of Vineland, who was raised by Richard and Shirley, Vience Saunders, Jr. (Kortnie) of Bridgeton, Vanequa Saunders of Bridgeton, Venisha Saunders of Bridgeton, Veyonce Saunders of Bridgeton, Shameka Powell of Millville, Keairrah Powell of Bridgeton, Jamire Gray of Nebraska, Jeri Gray of Millville, Janay Sapp, Brockheem Butler of Bridgeton, Marshon Butler of Egg Harbor City, Tahjmere Butler of Lakehurst, Toshera Butler of Bridgeton, Brashawn Butler of Bridgeton, Tesshera Winrow of Bridgeton and Rashon Gray of Vineland and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by; his son, Richard J. Gray, Jr. and five siblings, Arthur “Sonny” Gray, Jr., Carl Gray, Paul Moore, Jean Brooks and Robert Gray. Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Friday, November 13th at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Laurel Lawn Cemetery in Upper Deerfield Twp. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. Due to current regulations associated with the Covid-19 healthcare situation, we are limited to 50 people within the funeral home at a time and the understanding and cooperation of the public is greatly appreciated. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.