Ernest Erie Gray Jr.

Ernest "Ernie" Erie Gray Jr., 76, of Brighton, passed away on Wednesday, January 24.   Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27 at the Covington Funeral Home with interment to follow in Salem Cemetery in Atoka.  The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.  He was born to Ernest Erie and Mary Alice Rowland Gray Sr. and was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and one grandson, Ernest Erie Gray IV.  He was married to his best friend and wife, Alecia Nan Gray for 55 1/2 years and is survived by her.  He is also survived by two sons, Ernest Erie Gray III and wife Tammy Stringfellow Gray of Atoka and Talbert Lee Gray and Kimberly Hendrickson of Chattanooga; one granddaughter, Raven Sherron Gray of Brighton; one grandson, Palmer O'Neal Gray of Atoka; two great granddaughters, Skylynn Gammons and London Robinson; two brothers, Robert Lee Gray and wife Vickie of Brighton and Jonathan Dee Gray and wife Donna of Munford and one step-brother, Ronald Traller and wife Jan of Memphis.  Ernie was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Brighton.  Ernie's occupation was being a proud member of Local 474 I.B.E.W. for 55 years.  During his earlier years, he held and served in most of the committees and any position involved with Local 474.  He also worked in maintenance as an electrician at the International Harvester plant in Memphis until the plant closed.  He then became the business manager for the IBEW.  At this time he went in to partnership with his friend Robert Ward and became co-owner of Horne's Escort and Guard service for over 20 years.  Ernie's greatest goal was caring for his family and wanting to help them reach any goals they had.  He was there for them in a quiet way without wanting any attention for himself.  He wanted each one of his loved ones to know a true love in their life.  The greatest wish was for them to know Jesus so we can all spend eternity together.  Rest in peace my love;  you were the wind beneath my wings.I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.2 Timothy 4:7