HUDSON FALLS – Thomas Nelson Gray, 76, of Hudson Falls, went home to his eternal father on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at Pleasant Valley Infirmary in Argyle.
Born February 5, 1937 in Stanley, Virginia, he was the eldest son of the late William Otis Gray and the late Winnie Lohr Gray.
Upon his marriage to Alice Schooley Gray on April 22, 1958, he moved to Hudson Falls and raised his family here. Although he lived most of his adult life in Hudson Falls, his home state of Virginia always held a special place in his heart.
Thomas will be lovingly remembered as a hardworking, humble servant of the Lord. He was the pastor and caretaker of the Church of Gospel in Hudson Falls until his health failed. Thomas was employed by Glens Falls Electric Supply Co. until his retirement. True to his character, he was a dependable, loyal, and hardworking employee, husband, and father. In his final years at Pleasant Valley Infirmary, he did his best to be a bright and shining light for the Lord. He would speak of spiritual things and shared the gospel whenever there was an opportunity to do so with patients and staff. He particularly enjoyed discussing the Bible, answering biblical questions, and singing hymns in the activities room at the nursing home. Although he was never a man of many words, in his later years, in spite of his Parkinson’s disease, God blessed him with the ability to open his heart and engage in more conversation than ever before. Thomas was a wonderful example of a humble Christian walking with the Lord. He always wanted to be ready for heaven. Thomas was preceded in death his beloved wife, Alice, whom he was infinitely devoted, and by his parents.
He is survived by his three daughters, Allison (Alice) Paulzak and her husband, Michael of Navarre, Florida, Marion Leombruno and her husband, Robert of Lake George, Kelly Mckeown and her husband, Jason of Hudson Falls; grandchildren Elsie Paulzak, Rachel and Robert Leombruno, Tiffani and Kortni Tougas, Konnor and Landon Mckeown; great granddaughter, Layla Rosenblum; his brothers David, Samuel, Robert, John, Benjamin, Joseph, Rufus, and sister Lois, all of Virginia; his brother-in-law, Herbert Schooley of Hudson Falls, many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Family and friends may call at from 4p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2013 Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Gray officiating.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
Thomas’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Pleasant Valley for all their care and support through his final years and to the Church of Gospel and Pastor Robert Gray for their faithful support and prayers. Memorial donations may be made in Thomas Gray’s name to Parkinson’s Research Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, New York 10018, or to the Church of the Gospel, c/o Miriam Gray, 185 Gray Drive, Stanley, VA, 22851.