Earnest Lee Gray

Earnest Lee Gray, of Longview, Texas passed away in the early morning of Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Mr. Gray, as he would introduce himself, was born October 9, 1949 in Marshall, Texas the son of Earnest Lee Gray and Corrine Mitchell.

He was educated in the Marshall School District and graduated from Pemberton High School.

He was best known for his euphonious high tenor vocals and sang with the male chorus THE MORNING STARLIGHTS. He loved watching sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, no matter it has been 3 decades since they went to the Super Bowl.

Earnest  worked in transportation for Good Shepherd Medical Center and most recently Longview School District at the “Bus Barn” when his health began to decline.

Earnest married the love of his life Opal, whom he affectionately called “Baby” on September 25th, 1993.

Their love story spanned 31 years and were just shy of their 30th Wedding Anniversary.

Preceding him in death are his parents: Earnest Lee Gray, Sr. & Thelma Gray and Cleon Mitchell, Sr. &  Corrine Mitchell; and brothers: Michael Lynn Gray, Reginal Rugley, Roy Mitchell, and Cleon Mitchell, Jr.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his devoted wife Opal Gray; Children: Juanice Brice, Chelsea Bayo, Odessa King (Ricky), Lajewelle Gray (Markisha), Frank Gray (Whitney), Kay Harris (Mike), Dale Wallace (Patricia), Latressa Jackson (Darold), Sabrina Parker (James). Siblings: Kimberly Cora Gray, Andrew Gray (Tamika), Timothy Gray, Michael Todd Rugley, Jessie Mitchell and Margrett Mitchell-Jordan; 21 Grand Children, 28 Great Grandchildren; Furbaby: Pee Wee and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.