Merlin A. Gray, Jr.

Merlin “Black” Anthony Gray, Jr. entered peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, April 23, 2018 at his residence at the age of 48.  He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Gretna, LA.  Loving father of Merlin, Myron, Malik, Meranda, and Mariah. Grandfather of Essence Gibbs.   Beloved son of Merlin Gray, Sr. and the late Geraldine Watkins Gray.  Grandson of the late Earl and Eldora Baptist, Emile, Sr. and Lilly Gray, Clarence, Sr. and Luvenia Watkins. Brother of Andrew (Gail) Pointer, Leonard (Carol), Lawrence (Diane), Rusty and Rodney St. Cyre, Cynthia (Robert) Ridgeway, Johnnie Mae (Dwayne) Gabriel, Luvenia Paige, and Frankie Mae Davis. Nephew of Earl, Freddie Baptist, Rev. Clarence, Jr. (Willie Bee) and Fredrick Watkins, and the  late Amanda Willis, Almena Gray, Lilly Rose Veadua, Meinerva Watkins, Betty Watkins, Ruby Conley, John Willis, Emile Gray, Jr., and Albert Watkins.  Great uncle of the late Kaila Oates; also survived by a host of other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of Providence Baptist Church, St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Funeral Service at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 1738 L. B. Landry Ave., New Orleans, LA on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:00a.m.  Pastor Lawrence St. Cyre; officiating; Pastor Norman Francis, host pastor  Visitation will begin at 8:00a.m. until service time at the church.  Interment:  New Hope Cemetery-Gretna, LA  Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA  To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.