Thomas Dean Gray

Thomas Dean Gray passed from this life on July 3, 2012, at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his family by his side. "Tommy's true Independence Day from this life was this morning. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate this holiday, knowing that Tommy has declared his freedom from the hardships and sufferings of this life because he chose to be on the Lord's side. Now the Lord has chosen him." He was born in Monette, Arkansas, on November 20, 1950 to his late parents, Clarence Andrew and Merle Demetra Pyland Gray. He graduated from Metropolitan High School In 1970 and was employed by AO Smith and Arkansas Children's Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Virginia L. Gray; his daughter, Berni Demetra Kuzemchak, her husband Aaron, and his grandson, Daniel Austin Kuzemchak of Glen Allen, Virginia; two brothers, James Pyland Gray, his wife Betty of Conway, Arkansas, Clarence Douglass Gray, his wife Leta Sue of Abilene, Texas; a half-sister Corine Kendrick, her husband David of Portland, Oregon; a beloved aunt, Wanda Barringer of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and a host of family and friends. He was a member of the North Little Rock Church of Christ. He loved fishing, hunting and being with his family. He proudly served in the military for 6 years attaining the rank of Sergeant. The family will receive friends 3 p.m., Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berean Children's Home, P.O. Box 1009, Brookhaven, Miaa. 39602, or to Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.