Hartley Hamilton Gray, age 71, native of Acworth, Georgia and former owner of Collins Funeral Home, departed to eternal rest on December 9, 2023.  Hartley suffered from a sudden illness of respiratory distress followed by a coronary arrest.  Home communion was presented at bedside by  Patricia Gray Holloway, his former wife and mother of his son, John Glenn Gray.  The holy elements were blessed by Father Gordon Okunsanya, Priest of St. Teresa's Episcopal Church, Acworth.  The family had a loving private service to honor Hartley.  His primary ashes are in the home of his son, John Glenn Gray.

Hartley will always be remembered for being a "bigger than life personality."  He was passionate about his shrine brotherhood, love for boating, water skiing, four wheeling, drag racing, motor cycle riding, playing blackjack and having fun.

Hartley is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Glenn Gray and Gloria Ann Gray, grandmother Lola Collins Swanson and step-grandfather, Hartley D. Swanson.  Hartley is survived by his son, John Glenn Gray, Sister, Cindy Gray McCoy (Durand), Sister Amy Gray Shelton (Mickey), nieces, nephews and loving companion of many years, Martha Bedsole. He had many brotherly friends and brothers in the shrine club.

Hartley's family will always be grateful for the kindness and professionalism rendered by Chuck Johnson, owner of Collins Funeral Home.  Chuck was a close friend to Hartley and fellow shrine brother.

We give thanks to God for the life of Hartley Hamilton Gray; a life very well lived. May the soul of Hartley rest in peace and rise in Glory on the last day.

All family, friends and community will always hold Hartley close as we cherish his humor and statements of affection.  His departing words to those, of whom, that were close to him were: "Say Goodnight Dick"…