On December 4, 2024, John Glen Gray, of Acworth, Georgia passed away at the age of 42 years. John was the beloved son of Pat Gray Holloway and the late Hartley Hamilton Gray.

John passed away peacefully holding the hand of his mother. John courageously endured 30 days of sudden health decline followed by our gracious and loving God providing his peaceful departure to eternal rest at 11:57 AM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

John's body was cremated on December 6, 2024 by Collins Funeral Home. John was the sixth generation of the Collins Family .

John is survived by his mother Pat Gray Holloway, Aunt Cindy Gray McCoy (Durand), Aunt Amy Gray Shelton (Mickey), Uncle Randall E. Bailey (Patti), Uncle John William Holland, Great Uncle Lloyd Milholland (Carol) and many loving cousins. Loving family preceded in death include: John's Father, Hartley Hamilton Gray, Paternal Grandparents Ernest and Gloria Gray; Maternal Grandparents John William (Bill) and JoAnn Holland. John was the great grandson of Lola Collins Swanson and step grandson of Hartley D. Swanson.

John graduated from high school at Lyman Ward Military Academy, Camp Hill, Alabama in 2000. Attending boarding school expanded John's understanding of various cultures and appreciation for his country. He achieved the rank of Major in Foxtrot Company, and received 1 ^st award for: Good Conduct, Rifle Team, Beta Club, Expert Marksmanship, Drill Team, Physical Fitness, Sword Drill Team and Best Drilled Platoon.

John attended Georgia Southwestern University from 2000 – 2003 and Chattahoochee Technical University in 2004-2005. He was passionate about his work in automotive technology and especially enjoyed working with Japanese and German made automobiles.

John was very tall, 6 feet, five inches, yet, he had a very gentle and loving spirit. He was an avid reader, enjoyed taking long walks in downtown Acworth and he loved his country.

Following the pandemic, John became a gourmet cook. He had a great sense of humor and he could imitate many popular celebrities. John had a way of making ordinary days extraordinary. He had a heart for helping others and he loved his neighbors. John's years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout also helped shape his citizenship. John leaves behind a roomful of treasured memories. John strived to leave each day better than he found it. He treasured his heritage and we are better individuals because of our shared kindred with John.

A departing quote for the life of John is as follows: "Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

A Celebration of Life service for friends and family will be held at St. Teresa's Episcopal Church, 5725 Fords Road, Acworth, Ga. 30101, on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All are welcome.

We give thanks to God for the life of John Glen Gray. May John's soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rector's Discretionary Fund at St. Teresa's Episcopal Church, 5725 Fords Road, Acworth, GA. 30101, https://stteresasacworth.com/ or Calvary's Baptist Children's Home, 1430 Lost Mountain Road, Powder Springs, Ga. 30127. https://calvarykids.org/memorial-gift/