Butler C. Gray, Jr.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me – a crown for being right with God. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Butler C. Gray, Jr. (Tim) was born on June 4, 1947, in Calvert County Maryland to the late Margaret Harris and Butler C. Gray, Sr.Tim departed this life on December 13, 2012, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Washington, D.C., after a long illness. He received his education in the public schools of Calvert County and graduated from W. S. Brooks High School in 1965. He received military training in Virginia, North and South Carolina. He received Cosmetology training from Renoudos/Tony & Guy in London, England and from Vidal Sassoon in California.Tim served in the United States Army (active duty in Vietnam) from 1966 to 1969 with an Honorable Discharge. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was leader of troops for communications.Upon discharge from the United States Army, Tim moved to Washington, D.C. On June 12, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Lee. To that union, D’Artagnan and Jeris were born.On March 4, 1995, Angel (daddy’s little girl) was born.Over the years, he worked in many capacities including, the US Government Printing Office, Ed Tilgham Truck Company and Upper Crust Cuisine Catering Company. He became a nationally renowned hair stylist. He was a hairstylist/manager at Fingertips, owned/managed Shear Illusion and Hair Fashion West in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. He was an educator/director on product knowledge and platform artist working for Revlon in New York. He was also a stylist and educator for Paul Mitchell, which was headquartered in California. He was the owner and distributor of Creative Systems Products by Tim Gray. He entered many hair show competitions all over the US and London, England. In 1985 he entered a New York Competition Show, won 1st Place and was awarded a “Rolls Royce”.Tim loved to cook and serve food. His future project was to own and operate “Angel Eye Café” in Washington, D.C.Near the end of his journey, Tim sought the Lord through frequent bible study lessons and prayers.Tim was kind, loving and giving to all who knew him and always had a smile and laugh for everyone. He opened his home to all the neighborhood children who shared many meals, spent many nights and received strong guidance through his love, generosity, patience and understanding. The family would like all to remember Tim by the good deeds he has done, the impact he had upon you, his kind spirit and his love for life. Parents, Margaret Harris and Butler C. Gray Sr.; parents-in-law, Mae and Thomas Lee; two brothers, Lanston Cole and Carroll Gray, and one brother-in law, Roland Beverly all preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories, his wife of 41 years, Brenda Gray, two sons, D’Artagnan (Katresa), Jeris (Crystal), one daughter Angel; three granddaughters Madison, Deiara and Myteka; four grandsons, Darius, Kashan, Donavon and Darius T.; ten sisters, Gloria Jean Gray Chisley (Jimmy), Wyannda Harris, Shelia Claggett, Ann Jones (Carl), Norma Jean Gray, Ava Gray, Margaret Gray, Carralise Gray, Ophelia Gray, Charlotte Gray; nine brothers, William V. Gray (Janet). Calvin Gray, Jimmie Lee Toye (Tracy), Patrick Smith (Blanche), Mark Smith, Thomas Smith, Warren Gray, James Gray and Rodney Gray (Shelly); two sisters-in-law, Joyce Lee and Myra Beverly; two brothers-in-law, Steven Lee (Geraldine) and David Lee (Herlaine); six goddaughters, Dona Moore, Locita Dixon, LaShawn Chase, Schniene Sutton, Shannon Key, and Chardae Smith; one godson, Malcolm Beverly, Jr.; best friend, Larry Wesley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, clients and colleagues. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Butler C. Gray, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.