Theodore A. Gray Jr.

On Saturday, January 23, 2021, Theodore Auda Gray Jr. (known to many as ‘Main' ) was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He was Born in Harvey Illinois On December 21s 1951 to Theodore Gray and Beulah Gray McCoy. Who also proceeded him in death along with his sister Marsha Hawkins.

He leaves behind to mourn his loving wife Deborah Gray, and their children Tamara Papp (Oren), Theodore Jr. (Elizabeth,) Terra Bautista (Carlos), Timothy (Kristina), Tory Swann (Melvin),Tanesa , Danielle Sabota and Theodore Sabota. Sibling’s Katherine, Valerine, Lloyd, Carl, Doris, Dorothy, as well as, 27 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ted settled in Holland MI, after meeting the love of his life Deborah Brown. They were soon to be married September 25th 1976. Ted was always a hard worker and knew the value of a dollar, so much so, that he was able to spot a empty can/bottle for the ten cent deposit from a mile away and to make it worse if you were the passenger you better believe you were getting out to pick it up. We sit here and wonder if he is in heaven battling his late brother-n-law Anthony Brown for pop cans. Not only did he value money, he also valued instilling the true essence of hard work and respect into his children.

Everyone who knew Ted knew he loved his family. He brought joy to all of those in his presence, with numerous holidays, spur of the moment cook-outs and family gatherings. He never excluded anyone; all were welcomed. Ted was a man of patience, wisdom and love. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need. During his 20 years as an over-the-road truck driver, Ted was a blessing to many people he met along the way. He once told a story about a man who was walking on the side of the road with no shoes and Ted pulled over and gave him a pair. Ted had a heart for celebrating people and special occasions. He especially loved Christmas, Mothers Day, and Valentines Day. He had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. Ted was known for his stale knock-knock jokes and sayings such as “the more I teach you, the dumber I get” or “take your time but hurry up.”

In Ted’s earlier years, he had a passion for camping, hunting and fishing with yearly camping trips to Traverse City. Everyone knew him for flipping the canoe of the last person who made it to shore. He also took joy in collecting coins, stamps, light houses and coffee mugs. Another fond memory of Ted shared by his family was his love for food. They remember a time he said he was dreaming about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, only to go into the kitchen late in the midnight hour to make one. Before he could enjoy it, he slipped down the steps waking the whole house.

If there was one thing Ted would want people to know it would be his love for Christ. He spent much of his time pursuing God through reading his Bible, weekly Bible studies and the Forgotten Man Ministry. His goal was to share the redeeming love of Christ so others could come to know him as he had. One of his favorite scriptures was Psalm 51:10-11 “Create in me a clean heart, oh God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me”.

Encouraging words from Theodore Auda Gray Jr. “Let us relish and celebrate an awesome act of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God the father, he and only he has granted our father Theodore Auda Gray, along with husband Theodore Auda Gray, Grandfather Theodore Auda Gray, and all that comes, God and his perfect plan and will, has granted our father the most ultimate freedom that anyone could be granted. He has been freed from this horrible earth, and is with our heavenly Father. Man has no say! Let us rejoice in this freedom that our loved one has been granted, we should strive for this also.”

The family will receive visitors from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday January 29, at the Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland.

A homegoing service to honor Mr. Gray's legacy will be held on Saturday, January 30, at 1:00pm, at the Dykstra Funeral Home Mulder Chapel. The ceremony will commence late, to honor and remember Ted's tendency to never be on time. Pastor Britain Ward will preside over the homegoing service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gray Family.