Garland Monroe Gray

Garland Monroe Gray, beloved brother, 73, of Salem, VA, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, October 31, 2021, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Madison and Marie Saul Gray; brother Melvin, and infant sister, Velma. He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Charlene and Bill Yeagley and Janice and Tom Scarce; as well as several cousins. Garland was raised in Roanoke and moved to Salem in 2011. He retired from Roanoke City and Salem City School. Garland loved plants and flowers and was well known in the garden shops of businesses in the Roanoke Valley. Garland got the green thumb in the family and his yard and porches were always filled with beautiful flowers. A lover of all animals, he especially loved his cats and was known to set scraps out for the area critters. He enjoyed meeting with friends at Hardees in Salem, where he had many of his plants in the dining area. His favorite music was from the 1950s & 60s and he could always tell you who sang which song and its history on the music charts. Garland also enjoyed watching westerns and Hallmark movies on television, especially Christmas movies. He loved to decorate for the various seasons and always had lights in the trees of his yard to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Garland was a devout Christian and loved his church family at Fellowship Baptist Church, of which he was a member and attended for over 50 years. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home, Salem. A service will follow on Thursday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mark Manning officiating. Interment immediately following at Evergreen Burial Park. Garland was very special to many people and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank everyone involved in caring and praying for Garland in his final months, especially Good Samaritan Hospice, Fellowship Baptist Church, special caregiver, Tanya Terry, and all the friends who visited and brought milkshakes and sent cards to Garland. Service Details. Visitation When Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 ROANOKE BOULEVARD Salem, Virginia Funeral Service When Thursday, November 4th, 2021 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 ROANOKE BOULEVARD Salem, Virginia Interment When Thursday, November 4th, 2021 Location Evergreen Burial Park Address Address Not Available Roanoke, VA