At the age of 73, Delbert William Gray passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the parents of George and Elizabeth Gray, who preceded him in death.

Delbert was a graduate of Paisley Senior High School and attended Forsyth Technical Community College. He was drafted into the Army in 1972 and served with the 2 ^nd Platoon, A Company at Fort Jackson, SC. In 1973, Delbert married Bonita Johnson in Winston-Salem, NC where they raised their children and still currently reside. Delbert's favorite past time was cooking, and he made a career as a sous chef at many prominent local restaurants.  Delbert would say he enjoyed not being bound to any recipe or menu as he wanted to add his own little twist for flavor. He was very particular about how food should taste. When Delbert wasn't working, he enjoyed working outside in his garden and watching his favorite NFL football team, the San Francisco 49ers.

He is survived by his wife of 50  years, Bonita Gray and their children, Linell Johnson (Lynette) of Kernersville, NC, LaToya Gray of Hanover, MD, Alicia Gray and William Gray of Winston-Salem, NC; his daughters from a previous marriage, Andrea and Debra; his grandchildren, Jordan, Brandon, Yvonne, Ayanna, Mackenzie, Joseph, Nicholas, Dominique, Christopher, Travis, and Patrice; a host of great-grandchildren; eight siblings, George (Gloria), Dorinda, Arsola, Robert, Elaine, Carolyn, Marvin (Karen), and Christine (Fred); and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

We will truly miss your special sayings, "hold it on the road", "keep it 100",  "I'll give in before I give out", "I will be on you like white on rice", "your foot does not fit no limb", and all the nicknames you have given everyone over the years.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, March 10, 2023 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, 3894 Northampton Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 with Reverend Dr. George Banks officiating.  The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.  Interment will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.