Jodie "B.J." Bass Grays
June 24, 1937 - April 29, 2015

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Funeral Service Bethel A.M.E. Church Railroad St Fountain Hill ,  AR 71642 5/6/2015 at 11:00 AM Map & Directions   Lacey Cemetery Lacey New Hope Road Drew County, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Jodie Bass (BJ) Grays was born to the late Roy and Maggie Ingram-Grays on June 24, 1937, in Lacey, AR. He was one of 16 children born to this union. He departed this life to a life of rest on April 29, 2015 at 10:05 pm at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello, AR.

Mr. Grays accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Elder Cox at the Pentecost Church of God in Christ in Lacey and joined the Masonic lodge of Hamburg, AR, in the early 60’s. He later united with Mt. Olive AME Church in Lacey where he served faithfully as a steward and trustee until his health failed. He served under the leadership of both Rev. Jessie Washington and Rev. Karal Hammock.

He was the husband of Margaret Franklin Grays for 55 years and to this union were born six daughters. He worked to provide for his family for years in the logging business as a tree trimmer and a pulpwood contractor. Along with contracting, he was employed with Burlington Industries in the dye house and later worked with Steve Richardson Logging Company.

He was preceded in death by six brothers, Joe Lee Bailey, Issaac, Charles, Nunnie, Shelby, and Burl Grays; four sisters, Baby Nancy Grays, Vera Grays-Johnson, Elma Grays-Brooks and Geneva Simpson; and one grandson, Coleman Martell Sharp.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Margaret; six daughters, Brendia Franklin, Melissa Grays and Bridgett Grays Harris, all of Lacey, AR, Angela (Fred Lee) Sharp of Magnolia, AR, Marjorie (Donnie) Johnson of Monticello, AR and Joy Miller of Fountain Hill, AR; five sisters and brothers, Christine Patterson and Gracie Mathaney, Roy (Alma) Grays and Johnnie Ray (Peggy) Withers, all of Los Angeles, CA, and Bobbie Jean Miller of Fountain Hill, AR; seven grandchildren, Jodie, Derrick, Dr. Donnie Ray Jr., Cecily, William, Brandy, and Adam (Shomeka); two great grandchildren, Adam Coleman and Anescia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 6 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Fountain Hill with burial to follow in Lacey Cemetery. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.