David
Lamar Gray Sr., 70, of Butler, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025,
at St. Luke’s East Hospital, surrounded by his children. Cremation, with private family services to be
held at a later date. Arrangements
entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the
family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
David
was born on February 11, 1955, in Bay Springs, Mississippi, to Bernice and
Frances Gray. He began his life journey by marrying the love of his life, Joyce
Lucille Dye, on February 1, 1974. Together, they built a beautiful life in
Jackson, Mississippi, where they welcomed their first daughter on February 15,
1975. In the years that followed, they added a son and another daughter to
their growing family.
David
was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a
hardworking man and often the sole provider for his family. While living in
Mississippi, he ran a Kwik Copy Printing company and earned a reputation as one
of the best in the printing business.
In
1991, after the passing of his father, David and Joyce made the decision to
move to Missouri, eventually settling in Butler in 1994. David continued his
printing career with the Examiner, The News-Xpress, and the Nevada
News newspapers. Later, he also assisted Joyce in maintaining the
properties she managed. As the newspaper industry declined, David transitioned
to working at Walmart in Butler, where he eventually retired.
In
his free time, David had a deep passion for NASCAR. Everyone knew that Sunday
afternoons were reserved for watching the races especially when his favorite
drivers, Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., were on the track. He also
enjoyed spending Friday nights at the local races in Butler and was a loyal fan
of both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals
David
was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Jeneva Gray and Bernice Lamar
Gray, as well as his beloved wife, Joyce Lucille Gray.
He
is survived by his three children, Teresa Frances Falkner (Bret), David Lamar
Gray Jr. (Hope), Angela Michelle Rusher (Dean Myers)
He
also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Austin Philipsheck (Alisha), Chesnea
Philipsheck (Austin), Skyler Falkner, Bailey Lowe, Jeffery Harrill (Kaliyah
Seppi), Cody Harrill, Connor Rusher, Leah Rusher, Elijah Gray, and Keyra Gray. David’s legacy continues through his six
great-grandchildren:
Layton, Greyson, Kimber, Mallory, Raelynn, and Jaycee.
David will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and the quiet love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
