REVEREND WILLIAM H. GRAY, III (1941-2013)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: William Epstein, 610-505-6105
bepstein@ufcw1776.org
Reverend Kevin R. Johnson, Ed.D.
Senior Pastor
PASTOR EMERITUS OF BRIGHT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH AND FORMER MAJORITY WHIP OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 1, 2013 – It is with deep sadness that the Gray family and the Bright Hope Baptist Church announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and Pastor Emeritus, Reverend William H. Gray, III. A distinguished career filled with many notable achievements, Reverend Gray was the former Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives. He passed away today in London, England at age 71.
Reverend Gray’s first calling was to the ministry, which began as Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Montclair, New Jersey. In 1972 he succeeded his father, Dr. William H. Gray, Jr., as Pastor of our nationally-renowned church in Philadelphia, continuing a legacy of civil rights activism and ministry at Bright Hope that began with his grandfather, Reverend William H. Gray, Sr. In January 2007, Rev. Gray transitioned into the role of Pastor Emeritus.
In addition to serving in distinction as Pastor for 36 years at Bright Hope, Reverend Gray also served the broader Philadelphia community, nation and world for 12 years as the United States Congressman for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District. Rev. Gray continued to serve the community as President/CEO of the United Negro College Fund for 13 years; enabling young African-American men and women to further their education.
Reverend Gray’s contributions to community, politics, ministry, education and business are immense and he will undoubtedly be remembered by a host of diverse constituencies.
Reverend Gray is survived by his wife, mother, three sons, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Bright Hope Baptist Church
12th Street and Cecil B. Moore Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19122
P 215-232-6004 F 215-232-3448 E info@brighthopebaptist.org brighthopebaptist.org
Source and Photo Credits: Bright Hope Baptist Church and The Philadelphia Tribune
Read more at http://tinyurl.com/k792f7k.
Source: The Philadelphia Tribune
