Willie Allen Gray

Willie Allen Gray (Sonny), 96, went to be with the Lord early Thursday morning on November 28, 2024.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Lucas Funeral Home, 1601 S. Main Street, in Keller. Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at Laurel Land Cemetery at 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth.

Willie was born on February 8,1928 to Willie A. Gray and Ettie Viola Gray. He got his nickname “Sonny” from his mother. 

Sonny served in the Army during the Korean War. He was in the 6th Armored Infantry Division and stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Because of his carpentry skills, and being able to build and fix almost anything, Sonny was kept at the base and not sent to Korea. (Per the commander’s request) After serving 2 years, Sonny received an Honorable Discharge and returned home to marry the love of his life, Betty Jean Gordon. Together, they had 2 children, Cindy and Mark. Sonny was a construction superintendent for Thos. S. Bryne’s general contractor for over 35 years. He was especially proud of his building achievements, including the Trinity Terrace, in Fort Worth. Sonny and Betty had a lot of really close friends throughout their life that they enjoyed RV camping, BBQ’s, riding motorcycles, fishing, bowling and taking vacations with. One life-long group of friends met every year for 64 years for a family Christmas Party. Sonny loved the outdoors, especially the mountains. A lot of family vacations included camping and riding motorcycles in the mountains, as well as the beach. Sonny also loved to fish and ski. He spent many hours teaching people how to waterski. One of his favorite things to do at home was to work in his garage. Sonny will be remembered affectionately for his dry sense of humor. Most of all, Sonny will be remembered for his inner strength and devotion to his family, and particularly to his 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. 

Sonny is survived by his children Mark and wife Cheryl Gray and Cindy Sybesma, grandchildren Courtney Sybesma, Katy Elliott and husband Ryan, Shannon Tower and husband Ryan, and Caylin Miller and husband Chase. His great grandchildren include Hunter Elliott, Coby Elliott, Arley Elliott, Everly Elliott, Archer Tower, Mason Tower, and Nolan Miller, and several nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.