Paul David Gray, 75, Lawrence, KS, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus from lung complications on Thursday, September 22, 2022, surrounded by family. Paul was born on March 16, 1947 in Clinton, MO, the son of Wyley Lloyd and Anna Ruth (George) Gray. He married Margaret Ellen "Kitsy" Waggoner on May 31, 1969 in Kirkwood, MO. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two daughters, Tacy Fleury (Leigh); Jody White; son, Jay Gray (Alexandra); and 6 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Emery Frederick, and son-in-law Brandon White. Paul received a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Kansas and is remembered for bringing joy to many while performing jazz with groups such as Paul Gray and the Gaslight Gang and the Junkyard Jazz Band of Lawrence. He served in the Army Reserves for 25 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 as the commander of the 312th Army Band. Paul led New Life in Christ church as senior pastor for 30 years, holding a degree in Grace Theology from Global Grace Seminary. The family will greet friends from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A celebration of life service with military honors for Paul will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to New Life in Christ and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

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Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 28, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Gray

11 Entries

Jim Kearney

October 15, 2022

Paul was my Warrant officer in the 42nd KS Army National Guard Band for at least 3 of my 6 yrs duty. A lot of fun to play in the band with him. I was a Tuba major at KU and Wichita State I will miss running into him in Lawrence. Good Man.

Sean Williams

October 14, 2022

So many warm memories... from kick ball at Pinckney grade school forward - from our family living room to churches around Lawrence as he conducted and performed at all my forebears's services. He employed me at Paul Gray's Jazz Place, recruited me for the softball team, counseled and guided my political and spiritual thoughts, and brought laughter, enthusiasm, and a positive, ambitious attitude to everything he did. Oh, and morels! He brought joy to Lawrence through God's gift of music!

Scott S

October 1, 2022

I always enjoyed Paul´s wit, wisdom, drive for excellence, and incredible personality.

Kay Rytting

September 30, 2022

Kitsy, you and Paul were one of the stalwarts in Prairie Meadows and Schwegler, South, and Lawrence High. Your influence for good is eternal. Thanks for being good neighbors. Kay Rytting

Kim L. Murphree

September 28, 2022

Paul will be missed by so many. His life affected thousands of people and his music touched many more. Sending much love to the family. It has not been so long ago that he and I both performed at a local funeral; he was ever the amazingly talented, brilliant guy. Godspeed.

Mickey Hanna

September 28, 2022

Kitsy, I´m so saddened and shocked to hear about Paul. I wish I would have known him. The responses from his friends are dear. I´m keeping you and your family in my heart in this sad time.

Bob Lockwood

September 26, 2022

Kitsy. I am shocked and saddened to learn of Paul´s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I have known Paul since those early days in Lawrence Kansas. He was a friend and a great person. RIP, Coach Lockwood

Dan Smith

September 26, 2022

So sad to hear this. Kitsy, Tacy, Jody and Jay thinking of you all in this time.

Rita

September 25, 2022

SO so sorry for your loss...fond memories will help you through...and prayers for you and your family..Our God is a mighty God! Anything I can do...call. sincerely and love in Christ. Rita Moses

Reece Wiley

September 25, 2022

The Gaslight Gang; KU Band; keeping the music store in Lawrence when it was sorely needed. Established a much-needed church. Kitsy and the wonderful girls...They all stayed in Lawrence and improved life here. I'm proud to have known them. Lawrence is a better place for having Paul spent his post-KU life here.

Todd & Kim Chipman

September 24, 2022

Kitsy and family,

Kim and I are so sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful, Godly man. We have so many great memories with Paul and your family. We hope all of the wonderful memories bring you comfort as you remember his life of service. God bless you all.

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