William Deming Gray
William Deming Gray, 62, of Chattanooga, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 21, 2021.
Deming was born on Feb. 17, 1959, to parents. Martha and the late Travis Gray in Jackson, Tennessee. Deming loved the Lord from an early age, growing up at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. He rededicated his life to his Savior and was baptized again in 2018.
Deming was the beloved husband to his wife and love of his life, Deborah; a devoted son to his mother Martha; a dear father to his children Lauren (Tyler) Lindsey, Hunter (Kelsi) Gray, Kristin (Andrew) Light, and Nathan (Katy) Holland; and the most amazing and loving Poppy to his grandchildren who were his greatest joy: Annabelle Light, Bailey Light, Robbie Rogers, Heidi Holland, Campbell Light, Harlow Holland, Griffin Lindsey, Denver Light, Gavin Lindsey, Ronin Lindsey, and Keiran Lindsey. He will also be dearly missed by many friends and extended family members. Deming felt a special love for, and was ever grateful to his cousin Gary Yelverton for caring for his mother when he was not available. Gary is more like a brother to Deming and a true example of family.
Deming retired from Tennessee Valley Authority in 2009 after 31 years of service. He received a bachelor's degree in Management from Tusculum College and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. But retirement was just the beginning for Deming, he always had a plan and goals that included helping others.
Deming was the Tennessee Wing Vice Commander for the Civil Air Patrol and recently completed his certification as a glider instructor. Aviation was his passion. He became a pilot at the age of 17 and has been involved in aviation his entire life. He loved mentoring young cadets In the Civil Air Patrol by exposing them to all aspects of flight. He felt very strongly about guiding young people in the right direction for their lives.
Deming was an avid photographer throughout his life. Many of you have received the benefits of his work. He enjoyed making beautiful memories of happy events for our friends and family. He shared this love of photography with his beloved son, Hunter. He was so proud of the beautiful images that they captured together on their trip to Fiji and New Zealand. He was thrilled that Hunter found Kelsi and that they are living their lives for the Lord in Japan.
Deming and Deborah loved to travel together. He always said that he did not want to wait because time is precious. They travelled to South Africa for an adventure of a lifetime with numerous stories to tell. Scotland was one of his most favorite travel locations. Deming loved snow skiing with friends and family. He often laughed about his snow skiing mishaps in Breckenridge when he visited the local hospital, not once, not twice, but three times with his friends Stephen and Scott in tow! But the most meaningful and precious time was spent in Israel visiting the places where his Lord and Savior walked.
Deming loved traveling with his family first and foremost. There were so many beach and mountain trips with his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of Lauren. She impressed him so much with her talent as a period actress and tour guide in South Carolina. He was so proud of the wonderful mother she has become. He loved teaching Robbie and Griffin how to fish and to safely shoot the BB gun. He was so happy when she found Tyler to share her life with.
Deming loved Kristin and Andrew, Nathan and Katy as if they were his own. He was so proud of the lives they lead and the precious children they have raised. He enjoyed scavenger hunts with Heidi and Harlow. He loved his Annabelle, Bailey, Campbell, and Denver and their many adventures. So many wonderful memories. All he ever wanted, was for our children and grandchildren to be happy, safe, and close to the Lord.
Deming was a giving person, always doing for others. He had wonderful memories of mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Slovenia. He went to minister to others, but found as most do, that he was the one who received the blessings.
But by far, the most important thing to Deming was his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, making up adventures and spinning yarns to keep them laughing. All of his future plans included his family. He wanted to be surrounded by them all. He will always be in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, with the funeral proceeding directly after.
Visit www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.