William Gray, Sr.

William Edward Gray, Sr.

Known to his family and friends as “Bill” or “Peaceful,” William was born on May 20, 1944, in Williamson, West Virginia, to the late Katherine Edwards and Herman Holyfield. He was later adopted by the late Walter Gray, Sr. William had one brother, Walter “Sonny” Gray, and was raised in Columbus, Ohio.

William attended West High School, where he excelled in football and became a star player. During his senior year, he also achieved success in wrestling and was the captain of his team. He competed in the light heavyweight division, winning both the city and state titles, and tied for 7th place in the district. After graduating, he worked for Children Services and held various jobs before being accepted into the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers, AFL-CIO (IW) Local 172, where he worked until his retirement in 2002.

After dating for four years, William married Marilyn Marie Whiteside Tinsley on December 25, 1981. Together, they shared two daughters, Niccole Preston (Columbus, Ohio) and Keena Tinsley (Dallas, Texas). William was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and the great-grandfather of seven surviving great-grandchildren.

An avid motorcycle rider, William earned the nickname “Peaceful.” He was one of the founding members of the Columbus Chapter of the Zulus Motorcycle Club. Well known throughout Columbus’s West Side and Hilltop communities, William never met a stranger. A true humanitarian, he believed deeply in respecting human life. With a heart of gold, he was always ready to help anyone in need.

In September 2024, after 12 years in remission, William was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. After a long and courageous battle, William was called home on September 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

William was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Myrtle Edwards; his biological father, Herman Holyfield; his father, Walter Gray; his mother, Katherine Gray; his son, William Gray, Jr.; and his great-grandson, Sherrod Cooley.

He leaves behind cherished memories and the legacy of his loving kindness through his devoted wife, Marilyn; his daughters, Niccole, Keena, and Joy; his brother, Walter (Cheryl); his grandchildren, Akili, Elijah, Desiree, Nahla, Angel, Tajuanna, and Clairessa; his seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

“We’ll see ya when we see ya.”

— The Family