Leothus Nathaniel “Pilly” Gray, age 61, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2011 at the VA Medical Center in Asheville, N.C. He was the son of the late Dora Jane Ann Gray and Roscoe Miller. Leothus was born July 31, 1950 in Polk County.
“Pilly,” as he was lovingly called by his family and friends, attended and graduated from Carver High School in Spindale, N.C. After graduating, he then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served four years in Germany.
Leothus was a longtime member of Wheat Creek Baptist Church, where he dedicated his life as a Christian and served as a member of the board. He later became a standing member of Moores Grove Baptist Church, where he proudly served until his illness.
He was a very outspoken, outgoing man who dedicated his life to Christ, his family and friends. He was employed for many years at Stonecutter Mills, Woodland Mills and later at Mohawk Industries in Landrum.
Leothus served on various committees throughout his life, but found joy and happiness in serving on the Carver High School All Class Alumni Association Committee, which allowed him to connect with old classmates, teachers and friends.
Leothus leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of 32 years, Rosa Paulette Ballenger Gray; one son, Marvin L. Godlock of Boiling Springs, S.C.; two daughters, Tamekia Gray Thompson (Keith) of Charlotte, N.C., and Yolanda Gray Pettigrew (Terence) of Wellford, S.C.; five grandchildren, India Godlock, Terence Pettigrew Jr., Isaiah Thompson, Triniti Pettigrew and Hannah Pettigrew; one sister, Ann Thompson of Greensboro, N.C.; one foster daughter, Errica Jackson Tucker of Gaffney, S.C.; one great-aunt, Josephine Gray of Forest City, N.C.; mother-in-law Frances Ballenger of Inman, S.C.; and a host of relatives, friends and coworkers.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 at New Bethel AME Zion Church in Forest City at 3 p.m., with Rev. Leroy Kelly officiating. Interment will be at Wheat Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ulysses D. Miller Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. An online guest registry is available at www.ulyssesdmillerfuneralservice.com.