Funeral services for William Earl Gray, age 82, of Wedowee will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Benefield Funeral Chapel with Jason Key officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2025.

Mr. Gray passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at his home.

Survivors include his wife, Leder Ruth Gray of Wedowee; one daughter, Julie Gray Key (Jason) of Wedowee; two sons, Andy Gray (Beth) of Roanoke and Marty Gray (Ginna) of Anniston; seven grandchildren; and one brother, Raymond Gray (Peggy) of Tucker, GA.

Pallbearers will be Marty Gray, Andy Gray, Bryant Gray, Blake Gray, and Hunter Williamson.  Jeremiah Key and William Gray will serve as honorary pallbearers.

A longtime Wedowee resident, Mr. Gray was born in Columbus, Georgia, on February 15, 1943, the son of Horace and Rubye Maddox Gray.  He was a member of the Alabama National Guard where he retired as a sergeant, served in the US Army, and also worked for the State of Alabama at Fort McClellan. He was a member of the Co. D 4th Alabama, 1st Battalion, 167th Infantry, and the 31st Dixie Division.   Mr. Gray was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Margie Pool Gray; and a brother, Thomas Gray.

Memorials may be floral or donations may be made to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.