Karen and Mike Gray (Photo by courtesy of Karen Gray.)
Services have been arranged to remember the life and legacy of Alpha Conference Bishop Mike Gray. Many of the IPHC’s leaders will join with other friends and family at 1pm on Wednesday, October 13, at Faith Community Fellowship (7660 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, AL 35173), with graveside to follow. (More information can be found here.)
Bishop Gray was remembered by friends and fellow bishops as a dedicated servant of God.
“Bishop Mike Gray brought joy and wisdom to every assignment he had from the Lord,” said Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham. “He was strong, yet mild-mannered, approachable, understandable, and understanding. His service in the General Superintendent’s Office under the late Bishop James D. Leggett gave him insights into the challenges and opportunities before the entire denomination. Our hearts are broken that Mike is no longer with us, but we rejoice that he has joined that great cloud of witnesses gathered around the throne of God.”
Bishop Gray ministering to youth. (Photo by courtesy Julie Beiler Lee)
Bishop Gray’s family released the following obituary on Thursday.
Michael Patrick Gray entered the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 6, 2021. Mike was born on September 13, 1958, in Birmingham, AL.
He married the love of his life, Karen Harris, in June 1977. Together they built a beautiful life with their children, LeighAnne and Kenny. Through the years his family enlarged to include his son-in-love Blake and daughter-in-love Mary. His greatest honor was becoming a Poppie to Brodie Bear and the Princess Cubbie AnnaBella. Mike’s family was his most prized possession. He lavished them with love! He always put them first. He was a devoted, loving husband, a doting father, and the world’s most adoring Poppie. He led his family with a fierce passion and with integrity and impeccable character. He is simply irreplaceable to them.
Mike was called to preach at 17 years old, and he ministered in his calling for 46 years. He was full of humility and integrity–a saint of God, a man of prayer, and a student of the Word. He served the Lord with every ounce of his being.
For the past 11 years, Mike served the Alpha Conference as the Conference Superintendent. He also served as the Chairman of the IPHC Finance Committee and sat on various denominational committees and boards. Prior to becoming the Alpha Conference Superintendent, he served as the Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the IPHC General Superintendents James Leggett and Ronald Carpenter. Sr., in Oklahoma City, OK, for 5 years. He pastored Alpha Conference Churches; McComb’s Chapel, Robertsdale IPHC, River of Life Fellowship, Good Shepherd and The Celebration Center. Other areas he served during his time of ministry includes; Conference Church Growth Director, Conference Assistant Superintendent, Alpha Conference Mission’s Director and as a member of the Conference Executive Council, under his beloved spiritual father, David Stephens. He was also an integral part of Alpha Conference Youth Camps and had a heart for the Next Generation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Franklin Gray and Doris Gray Whitehead, and by brothers Phillip Gray and Frankie Gray (wife Lynn).
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Karen Harris Gray; son Kenny (wife Mary) and daughter LeighAnne (husband Blake); two grandchildren, Brodie and AnnaBella; brother Darryl (wife Anna), Stepfather Jim Whitehead, and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law.
Visit Deerfoot Funeral Home’s Tribute page for Bishop Gray to share memories or send flowers.
