Mrs. Ruth Taylor Gray, the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Taylor, was born in Pensacola, FL, on July 23, 1923. She lived a long, full earthly life before being called to her heavenly home at the age of 98, by her Lord and Savior on December 7, 2021. Mrs. Gray was a devoted wife to United States Army Chaplain Charles Gray, a loving mother to her two children, Cathy and Gary, and a fervent follower of Jesus Christ.

After attending first grade in Chipley, FL, young Ruth moved in 1930 with her parents, her sister, and her three brothers to DeFuniak Springs, living for many years in a home on Main Street and then settling in on Arbutus Avenue. Ruth became a member of the First Baptist Church when she made her profession of faith and was baptized as a child in the early 1930s. Ruth graduated from Walton High School in 1941, Mars Hill College in 1943, and Blue Mountain College in Mississippi in 1945 where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. The faith and loving guidance of her family, the humble life of growing up in a small town where everyone knew and helped one another, and receiving her formal education were all preparing Ruth for her future calling.

Ruth never met a stranger as she was always gracious and ready for conversation, for adventure, and for sharing God's love. Her first job began in 1945 in Birmingham, AL, as the church and pastor's secretary of Woodlawn Baptist Church. It was here she met and married Charles Edward Gray on July 10, 1947, and her life changed forever. Ruth moved with Charles, who had received his formal education from Howard College (later Samford University) to Louisiana for Charles to attend and graduate from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. With Charles serving his country as an army chaplain, Ruth had a life of moving from place to place. Ruth was always ready and willing to serve alongside her husband wherever they were sent. They had wartime travels and were stationed in many places through the years, most notably in three towns in Germany and at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. While serving overseas in Germany in 1956, Charles and Ruth adopted Gary Edward Gray. Gary joined his big sister, Cathy Ann, to complete the Gray family. As one can imagine, that German post was filled with love. According to Ruth, Fort Sill was also a good assignment – she loved the Oklahoma people. Of course, Ruth had the capacity to love others anywhere she was.

Ruth and Charles were steadfast in following God's plan for their lives. Wherever Ruth found herself living, she served the Lord and shared her talents. She gave piano lessons to both children and adults, taught Sunday School, led Bible classes, was available to play music for funerals, and played the church organ for over twenty years. She was a seamstress and adored embroidery and crewel work. She loved reading, especially from her well-worn Bible. She served as president of the Book Club of Lawton, OK, and was a member of the Pilot Club of DeFuniak Springs for many years. Returning in retirement to DeFuniak Springs in 1980, Ruth and Charles settled into Ruth's old home on Arbutus Avenue and returned to First Baptist Church to serve. Charles shared his seminary knowledge and chaplain experiences with his men's Sunday School class and Ruth began a long-time service as a ladies' Sunday School teacher and the church organist.

Ruth was enthusiastic about everything. She kept herself physically active, riding a bicycle, doing her exercises, and walking daily when she could. She stayed mentally alert by studying her Bible and Bible commentaries, as well as remaining active and interactive with others. She loved people and she loved learning. Throughout her life she focused on increasing her knowledge and sharing it with others. Beyond her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Ruth's Bible beloveds were James, David, and the Apostle Paul. The Gospels, Psalm 23, Psalm 100, and Galatians 2:20 were her reading standards. Ruth was a loving wife and mother, friend, mentor, and true servant of God. Ruth followed God's mandate to love others. No matter her circumstances, Ruth persisted and was committed in her love of others and in her love for her Savior. She was a treasure to this community and to her church. She embodied the church's "A Fellowship of Encouragement" in her daily living by sending encouraging notes, using her musical talent to bless congregations and grieving families, sharing her biblical knowledge, and being a fun, energetic friend to so many.

Ruth was a generous person – a giver – who lovingly supported and prayed for neighbors, family, and friends. She gave of her time to inspire others and cheer them on with her great wisdom and humor. She was an unceasing prayer warrior and always ended her letters and calls with the uplifting words, "love and prayers." Love is never lost. She made a great life by all the love she gave to others and the prayers she lifted up for others. Ruth emulated Christ in all she did, and it is not surprising that Galatians 2:20 was a well-marked verse in her Bible: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV) Ruth praised God each and every day, both in good times and in times of deep loss. She praised Him for little things, for the beauty around her, and for the blessings of daily living. She had a joyful heart and rejoiced that Jesus Christ was the gift of redemption and hope. She always said, "God is so good!"

Ruth is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, her three brothers, and her two children. Those loved ones left to await a Heavenly Reunion are her sister, Mary Ann Castle, of St. Joseph, MO, her grandchildren and their families, and her great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed and always treasured by her church family and friends as she was a blessing to each one whose life she touched. Rejoice in the richness of your life for having known her.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the First Baptist Church; 216 Live Oak Avenue East, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Chumley and Rev. Tim Burnham officiating.

Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Bruce Butts, Leonard Thorn, Howard LaPorte, Jerry Stafford, Zane Welch, Wesley Wilkerson, Jack Owen and Tony Bailey. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Joyful Hearts Sunday School class of the First Baptist Church.

Flowers are being accepted or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church at 216 Live Oak Avenue East, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/