Samuel "Sam" Gray

UTICA – Mr. Samuel “Sam” Gray, age 89, was called home to the Lord on Sunday, January 29, 2023. At the time of his passing, he had the love of his family by his side and in his heart. Samuel was born in Jamaica, West Indies, on May 22, 1933, to the late Zachariah Gray and Elizabeth Cunningham. As a young man, he and his wife Hilda (Borrow) Gray relocated to America in 1971 and made Utica their home. They shared a life for 34 years until Hilda passed away from an unfortunate illness on June 30, 1989. From their union, six children were born. The couple came to America to provide for their family with better economic opportunities. They worked hard and struggled to succeed in the plumbing business, and they paved the way for their family with great determination. Samuel was a force of nature, a storm of a man. He was not perfect, but who in this world is? He always showed people his authentic self, a warrior and a proud man with great integrity. With only a third-grade education, he taught himself the great skills of carpentry and plumbing. Through these trades, he worked hard and challenged himself. When Samuel faced life’s challenges, he persevered to provide for his children and wife. He always aspired to be the best in everything that he did. He instilled his legacy of hard work and integrity in his children, and we are forever grateful for that. Samuel was preceded by his parents, two sons, Clovis Kirkwood Gray and Herbert Gray, as well as his step-son, Arnold James. He also will be reunited with brother, Brownman Gray and his sister, Bernice Gray. Samuel leaves behind two sons, Michael Anthony Gray (Beverly Broadbend) and Birchell Samuel Gray (Angela Alexander) and two daughters, Jennifer Wilrich and Dosrine Gray-Jenkins and her husband, Robert Jenkins. Additional survivors include his sister Claudette Samuels, to whom we are forever thankful for her loving care, devotion, and showing great compassion to our father. Also left to remember the legacy of her uncle, is his niece, Lamar Baker, and grandchildren, Sara (Christopher) Stafford, Andrew (Sara) Weather, Clovis (Maria) Gray, Clarissa (Adam) Powers, Elizabeth Wilrich, Nadine Keene, Harron James, Priscilla James, and Austin Gray, as well as one great-grandchild Elyse Spann, and daughter-in-law Marlena James and other relatives. The family wishes to thank Dr. Susan Griffing, Danielle Patterson, a family friend who provided love and care. Thanks are also given to the Caregiver Organization staff, Office of the Aging, Landmark Care, Nascentia Help, and MVHS at St. Elizabeth’s Campus third floor for providing support, assistance, and compassion while Samuel was in their safe keeping. Visitation for Sam will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 12:00-2:00 PM at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. at 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Avenue. The family will commemorate his burial at a private time. Dad, may your soul rest in peace. (This dedication of Samuel’s life was creatively composed by his family.)

Samuel "Sam" Gray

May 22, 1933 - January 29, 2023