Kermit Lewis Gray
The Rev. Kermit Lewis Gray, 84, of Mount Airy, passed peacefully from this life into eternal life on Friday night, September 12, 2025, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.
Kermit was born on January 12, 1941, in Wilkes County, the son of the late Grover Cleveland “G.C.” and Letha Hemric Gray. His family included four brothers, Dwight Gray, Ralph “Dick” Gray, Clyde Gray, and Frank Gray; two half-brothers, Harley Gray and Chub Gray; and three half-sisters, Lois Swain, Frances Stoneman, and Molly Kenley.
He grew up helping on the family’s large farm, where they raised tobacco, grain, milk cows, and beef cattle. Kermit attended Clingman Elementary School for grades 1-7, Ronda School for eighth grade, and graduated from East Wilkes High School in 1959. He later earned a degree in electronics from Central Technical School in Kansas City, MO, in 1961. Kermit grew up attending Dennyville Baptist Church in Ronda and was baptized there in 1950.
In 1962, he was called to serve a three-year term in the United States Army. Kermit was stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA, Fort Huachuca in Arizona, and spent 13 months in South Korea. He served as a radio signal operator, providing communication support in critical areas. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1964, he returned home and worked as an electrician in the maintenance department of Sunbeam Electric in Elkin.
In 1965, he enrolled at Mars Hill College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then pursued a Master of Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, graduating in 1972.
While attending Mars Hill, Kermit met a young lady named Pamela Keller, and they were married on August 10, 1968. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Joel Brian Gray and Alison Leigh Gray, and later four grandchildren, Noah Bartholomew, Zachary Bartholomew, Peter Bartholomew, and Caleb Gray, along with a daughter-in-law, Gayle Gray.
Kermit’s pastoral journey began while he was still in seminary, serving as a supply interim pastor at Brier Creek Baptist Church in Wilkes County. In 1972, he and Pam were called to Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh, where they served for three years. In 1975, they were called to Olive Branch Baptist Church in Durham, and in 1979, to Forest Park Baptist Church in Asheboro. In January 1987, they answered the call to Piney Grove Baptist Church in Mount Airy. Even after retiring, Kermit was called to fill a need at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Ararat, where he pastored for twelve more years.
In total, the Rev. Kermit Gray faithfully served churches across North Carolina and Virginia for more than 56 years. In addition to his pastoral roles, he served as President of the Ministers’ Conference for the Yates and Randolph Baptist associations and as Moderator of the Surry Baptist Association. Committed to theological education, Kermit also taught seminary extension courses, mentoring and equipping future pastors and church leaders. He was an active member of the Benevolence Committee at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and participated in numerous mission trips. He counted it a privilege to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
From the moment God placed a calling on his life, the Rev. Kermit Gray served with unwavering devotion, humility, and compassion. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit – into hospital rooms, living rooms, and moments of quiet counsel and prayer. His presence brought comfort, his counsel brought wisdom, and his faith brought hope.
Those who knew him best would say he embodied the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His steadfast commitment to Christ, his deep love for people, and his humble spirit left an indelible mark on every life he touched.
A service of worship and celebration of his life and ministry will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Piney Grove Baptist Church, with Dr. Van H. Lankford officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Piney Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1022, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017.
Though his absence leaves a deep void, we rejoice knowing that the Rev. Kermit Gray has entered into the joy of his Lord and has heard the words of Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.
