Elder Henry James Grayson, Sr.

Elder Henry J. Grayson Sr. was born July 12, 1931 in Dixons Mill, Alabama, to parents Jim and Minnie Grayson. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in active duty in 1952 to 1954, during which he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was married to Clara J. Grayson, until her death in June of 2003. He was employed at General Motors Fisher Body plant located in Kalamazoo from 1969 until his retirement in 1996. At his retirement celebration he said, "As I conclude my working years...I would like to be remembered as a Godly man, who stands up for righteousness." Elder Grayson suddenly went home to be with the Lord, while in His service. This battle tested, man of God was diligently preaching the gospel when the Lord suddenly called him home. We certainly believe this was no coincidence but a powerful testament of his walk with the Lord. He was among the initial members of Faith Temple Church of God, founded and pastored by Dr. Bishop T.D. Lockett, where he served as an Elder and sang with the Mall City Jubilee from the late 1960's through the 80's. Elder Grayson was also gifted in remembering scripture in great detail, reciting chapter and verse. But, his passion was preaching the gospel. This was a man that was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was always ready to stand up for the gospel and declare it any place and time. He touched lives throughout the country with his uplifting words of encouragement, backed by scripture and a conviction everyone knew was genuine. Whether it was feeding the poor, encouraging the heartbroken, or motivating others to serve the Lord, he did it with sincerity, only looking to give God the glory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Minnie Grayson; wife, Clara Grayson, son Kenneth Grayson; daughter, Pamela Grayson; brothers, George and Johnnie Grayson; sisters, Ruth Jones, Maddie Linden, Alma Bell and Beulah Brown. He is survived by one daughter, Shirley Aker (Dwight); five sons, Henry Jr. (Loretta), Richard (Barbara), Warren (Renee), Eric and Keith (Mela). He is also survived by seven grandsons, Derrick, David, Jared, Josh, Andre, Anthony and Maseo; four granddaughters, Ondrea, Monique, Aaliyah and Nala. Elder Grayson is also survived by five great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Elder Henry James Grayson, Sr.

July 12, 1931 - June 10, 2016