Haywood Leroy Gray of Matawan, New Jersey went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Bayshore Hospital, Holmdel, NJ. Haywood (affectionately known as Leroy aka Fox) was born in Long Branch Hospital to the late Jesse Sr. and Katie Gray on February 12, 1944.
He spent his childhood on Harrison Ave in Matawan, NJ, and attended Matawan Schools until his family moved to Keyport, NJ. While in Keyport he attended Keyport High School. Upon leaving high school Leroy met and married Josephine Haskins, together they had 4 children.
He was a proud employee of Sunshine Biscuits for over twenty-nine years. Leroy would always bring his family goodies from work. Once retired he stayed active by working different part-time jobs. He met his second wife Stephanie Gibbs, and they were married on June 30, 2007, at Second Baptist Church in Keyport. Leroy and Stephanie could be found babysitting their baby nephew Carter until he moved out of state.
Leroy was a faithful member at the Second Baptist Church in Keyport where he was a member of the usher board and men's choir. He was an active participant on the Sunday morning weekly prayer line. Leroy enjoyed hunting, and fishing, and was a car and motorcycle enthusiast.
Haywood was predeceased by his parents, Jesse Sr. and Katie Gray, sister Ann Marie, brothers Eugene "Hank" and Jesse Jr., and son Anthony "Tony" Gray.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Stephanie, his children Marlene, Yvonne, and Michael (Kathy), sister Jennifer Wathington; grandchildren Marvin, Anthony, Dion, Malcolm, Xavier, Zaria, Keenan, Miles, and Mason; and great-grandchildren Jaleah, Jamaya, Catrell, Jelise, Jalya, London and Kaiden, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends Richie Rice, Ernest (Dougie) Lee, and Raymond Lee.
