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The Rev. Elliott Gordon “Mike” Gray, 77, died June 30, 2013, from kidney failure and Parkinson’s disease, which he had since 1972. He was a retired local pastor serving Bosley UMC in Sparks until two months before his death. The Revs. Bruce Fraim, Earl Mason and Darryl Gill conducted the funeral service at Bosley UMC July 3.

Elliott Gordon Gray, always known as Mike, was born at home in Baltimore Jan. 12, 1936, to the late Elwood Guy Gray and Thelma Gray.

He was a science teacher in Baltimore County for 34 years before his retirement.

During this time and after he served as lay leader at St. John’s UMC in Lutherville for many years, including about six months as the preacher, preparing him for his future role in the church.

Inspired by his friend, the Rev. Earl Mason, he took the training to be a licensed local pastor. His wife said he often spoke of coming into the ministry as “the Lord got a 2x4 and hit me. That got my attention.”

He was appointed to Bosley UMC in 2003, first serving a three year term, then became a DS hire for the next seven years until his health prevented further service.

Though the church was “the joy of his life,” he also enjoyed working with wood and reading. His reading often included accounts of the Pacific Theater of WW II. For their 50^th wedding anniversary last year, the Grays went to Hawaii where he savored the museums and artifacts of that war.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and three siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carole Burton Gray, and daughter Sarah M. Gray of Washington, D.C.

Condolences may be sent to Carole B. Gray, 1546 Pickett Road, Lutherville, MD 21093.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Bosley UMC, 14800 Thornton Mill Road, Sparks, MD. 21152; or to DaVita Dulaney Towson Dialysis Center, 113 West Road, Towson, MD. 21204.