Billy Jean Gray was born on March 10, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan, the third of eleven children to the late Richard Lee and Millicent Madeline Jackson Gray. Billy loved athletics and excelled in wrestling. During his senior year at J. W. Sexton High School, he won the State of Michigan wrestling championship. His second passion was music. He was an avid trumpet player and performed at times with his brothers, in their band. In 1949, he began attending Michigan State University. However, in 1951, his government called upon him to serve his country in the United States Army. He was stationed at Governor's Island near New York City. There, his gifted music ability was put to use as a member of the military band. After being discharged from the Army in 1953, he decided to remain in New York City and pursue training in computers from IBM. He also continued to work for the federal government. During the 1960's, he met and married his wife, Margarita Miles Gray. She preceded him in death in May, 1996. Later, he accepted a promotion and relocated to Washington, D.C. to work for the Department of Defense, at the Pentagon. Due to a very methodical, organized mind, and mathematical adeptness, he was able to complete his Bachelor Degree in computer programming. Billy loved his job. It afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively, both internationally and domestically. His favorite destinations were Germany and Hawaii. He continued to work for the Department of Defense, in management, until his retirement in the 1990's. Billy Jean Gray departed this life Monday, November 5, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brothers Coy, Jack and Richard Gray; sisters, Annette Taylor, Carol Alexander, Cherie Watson and Margo Oliver; sisters-in-law, Nancy Gray and Eugenia Parker; and a host of relatives and friends.