John Edgar Gray, Sr. (Age 81) of La Plata, Maryland.

John Edgar Gray, Sr., was born to the late Joseph Gray, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Bivens Gray on December 9, 1937 in La Plata, Maryland.

John, affectionately known as "Big Edgar," was educated in the Charles County school system and graduated from Bel Alton High School. He joined the U.S. Army, October 1961 and served his country until he was was Honorably Discharged, September 1963. After serving his country, John's employment included positions with the Naval Research Laboratory as a Crane Operator and worked for many years as a custodian with the Board of Education which is now known as the Charles County School Board.

John was a strong, independent and very compassionate individual; he was "The Best!" He was always supportive of family and friends, making sure everyone was okay and giving his late wife, June what she wanted! He was also very devoted to his mom during her lifetime. John was most proud of his family, especially "Little Edgar." He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPlata and enjoyed attending Mass on Sundays.

Back when it was open, "Big Edgar" enjoyed going to the Blue Haven to socialize with friends and to have his favorite cocktail. He could also be found sitting at the table at neighborhood card games playing a hand or two. Later in life, he enjoyed competing with his neighbors, Mr. Beverly and Mr. Hawkins in landscaping their yards. When listening to music, his favorite would be the oldies. At heart, "Big Edgar" was a man who lived a simple life and enjoyed the little joys that life would bring.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Elizabeth Gray, brother, Douglas Gray, mother-in-law, Audrey Hagens, father-in-law, Joseph Hagens and best friend, Donald Taylor.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, sons, John Edgar Gray, Jr. (Erica), Jordan Singmore (Rashwanda) and daughter, Johnna Gray, grandchildren, Brigitte Gray, Jordan Gray Spence, Elissia Gray, Maya Gray, Keijon Roberts, Yona Gray, Malik Williams, Cedrena Williams, Aliyah Williams, Dorian and Jordyn Charles, and Justin and Noah Singmore, sisters, Barbara and Robin Gray, brothers, J.C. Gray (Alice) and James Ronnie Gray, sisters-in-law, Fern Brown (Arthur) and Joan Johnson, a host of nieces and nephews, goddaughters, LaChante Lyles and Kendra Gray, and Jarrett (Angel) who was like a son, best friend, Andre Butler, and a host of other relatives and friends.

His Viewing will be, 8:00 am, until Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am, Monday, April 8, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646.