NEWSOMS — James Wilson “J.W.” Gray, 62, passed away on Dec. 16, 2015, at his home after a period of declining health.

He was a son of the late Ashby and Lucille Ferguson Gray.

J.W. was a local farmer and cattleman, and was known as the “Watermelon Man.”

He is survived by his wife, Julie Mooring Bryant Gray; one daughter, Stacy King of the Outer Banks, North Carolina; three stepdaughters, Tessa Bryant of Pendleton, North Carolina; Cassie Bryant of Gates County, North Carolina; and Kelly Barnes of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; two sisters, Mary Pearl Vick of Valentine, Virginia, and Joyce Clements (Carter) of Windsor, Virginia; three brothers, Richard Gray (Rita), Roger Gray (Vickie) and Wayne Gray (Vicky) all of Boykins, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Brittany, Stephanie, Dylan, Trey, Kyleigh, Noah and Nicholas; and one aunt, Jean Ferguson Sawyer (Jimmy) of Milwaukee, North Carolina.

The graveside service will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, in Beechwood Cemetery, Boykins, with the Rev. Kenneth Williams officiating.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, Virginia.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.