Kenneth Gray

Kenneth Andrew Gray, 77, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. After several years of battling Alzheimer's disease he is finally at peace. He was born on October 1, 1936, in Iredell County, son of the late Andrew Eugene Gray and Rachel Jenkins Gray. He graduated from Scotts High School, class of 1955, and began a lifetime career in farming. He farmed for years on the family farm with his brothers, Reid and Leon Gray. He possesed a strong work ethic, was recognized for being a conservationist, taking good care of the land. In the sixties, he and Leon established Oldmt. Farms, Inc., and developed a registered herd of Holstein Cattle. Beginning in 1979, Robert Hardin became herdsman for Oldmt Farms and remained with the farm for 29 years, during which time Kenneth and Bob were recognized by Holstein breeders throughout the area. When Kenneth's health began to fail in 2008, he sold his cattle. Kenneth was a member of New Sterling Associate Reformed Church and was active in the church work, serving as Deacon. He practiced his faith through diligent work, honesty and a caring, positive attitude. Kenneth adored his large, extended family and took special interest in his relatives by showing up at gatherings on Sunday afternoons, birthdays, holidays and reunions. On March 12, 2005, he married Rebecca "Becky" Pryor Gray, who survives of the home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by step-daughter, Teryl Whitmire (Buddy) of Troutman, step-son, Trent Poole (Susan) of Statesville, step-son, Bobby Poole (Michelle) of Rome, GA, step-son, Frankie Estes of Statesville, step-daughter, Camilla Faircloth of Statesville, step grandchildren, Bobby and Brittany Whitmire, Maddison Poole, Kayla Chapman (James), Kristin Johnson (Trae) and Kaitlin Faircloth, one great step granddaughter, Averie Johnson, one brother, Reid Gray (Peggy), three sisters, Eloise Wilson, Phyllis Joyner (Henry), Shirley Goodman (John) and numerous nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by sisters, Lois G. Ervin, Inez G. Tomlin, Laverne G. Clanton, Margie G. Kimberlin, Colene G. Hurt and two brothers, Charles Neil Gray and Leon Gray. Funeral services will be conducted 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014 at New Sterling ARP Church with Rev. Tim Watson and Rev. Earl Linderman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Much appreciation is given to the Gordon Hospice House of Statesville and Rosewood Nursing Home. Special recognition to Frankie Estes, who thought of Kenneth as a father figure, which developed with Kenneth's serving as Frankie's mentor through the years. Memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or to New Sterling ARP Church, 580 New Sterling Rd., Statesville, NC 28677. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements for the family of Kenneth Andrew Gray.