GRAY, NEWTON E.

Newton Elgin Gray, 93, of Rock Spring, Georgia, died on Monday, January 4, 2016.

He was born in Walnut Grove, Ga., to the late Newton Elgin Gray and Lula M. Wilson. He was a lifelong resident of LaFayette area and a graduate of LaFayette High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II where he was injured at the Battle of Guam. During his service he received numerous commendations and medals including the Purple Heart. He served as an auxiliary police officer for the city of Chattanooga during the 1960s. He worked over 30 years in the railroad business and retired from L & N Railroad where he worked as a dispatch clerk.

He was a charter member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church and had attended Dry Valley Baptist Church and Ridgeview Baptist Church. He was a member of the LaFayette Senior Neighbors, the Sons of The Confederacy, local VFW and American Legion.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jennie Eloise Davenport Gray and a brother, James Henry Gray. He is survived by his children, Terry Lou (Richard) Yost of Lizella, GA. DeLila Rose (Jerry) Cooprider of Houston, TX, Newton Elgin Gray of East Brainerd, TN, Charles Lewis Gray of LaFayette, GA, Wilson Ross (Brenda) Gray of Red Bank, TN, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 5–8 p.m., and Thursday morning prior to the service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, in the chapel with Dr. George Palmer officiating. Burial will follow at Van Zandt Cemetery, Dial, Ga.

Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Homes – LaFayette Chapel.