Eugene D. Gray

Eugene D. Gray, 92, of Palestine, IL, died at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Arbor Rose of Robinson. He was born May 26, 1926 in Anderson, IN, the son of John Gray & Ruth (Goad) Gray, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Shirley Baldwin on May 29, 1947 and she preceded him in death on March 20, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bud Gray, Melvin Gray, Johnny Gray, Howard Gray, and Edward Gray; by his sister, Ruth Riggs; and by his daughter-in-law, Andrea Gray. He is survived by his 4 sons & daughters-in-law, Rev. Paul D. & Nancy Gray (Palestine, IL), Sylvan Eugene Gray (Fishers, IN), Murl Wesley Gray (Shelbyville, IN), and Mark & Lana Gray (Annapolis, IL); by 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; by his brother, Horace Gray (Chattanooga, TN); by his sister, Margie Beach (Lynchburg, VA); as well as several nieces and nephews. Eugene grew up in Anderson, IN. He became a Christian at an early age and ever since, his faith in Christ proved to be the cornerstone of his life. He attended Frankfort Pilgrim College in Frankfort, IN, and this prepared him for his life’s work as a minister. He pastored the Bloomington, IL Pilgrim Holiness Church for 30 years before moving to Palestine. Locally, he was active in the Palestine Pilgrim Holiness Church, where his son, Paul pastors to this day. Along the way, Eugene served as Pilgrim Holiness Conference President for 20 years, presiding over 42 churches as well as 5 churches in the conference in Dominica. He was also a board member of both the Interchurch Holiness Convention and Union Bible College in Westfield, IN. He knew that his life was not his own and dedicated nearly every waking moment to doing the Lord’s work. Eugene has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (CST) on Saturday, November 3rd at the Pilgrim Holiness Church (rural Palestine). Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. (CST) on Saturday with Rev. Paul Gray officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Eugene’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the “Pilgrim Holiness Church Family Life Center (Prophet’s Chamber)”, with envelopes available at the church. For those unable to attend his service, memorials may be mailed to the Palestine Pilgrim Holiness Church at P.O. Box 234 Palestine, IL 62451. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.