Newsoms- James Wilson "J.W." Gray, 62, passed away December 16, 2015 at his home after a period of declining health. He was a son of the late Ashby and Lucille Ferguson Gray. JW 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, NC, three stepdaughters, Tessa Bryant of Pendleton, NC, Cassie Bryant of Gates Co., NC and Kelly Barnes of Murfreesboro, NC, two sisters, Mary Pearl Vick of Valentine, VA and Joyce Clements (Carter) of Windsor, VA and three brothers, Richard Gray (Rita), Roger Gray (Vickie) and Wayne Gray (Vicky) all of Boykins, VA, seven grandchildren, Brittany, Stephanie, Dylan, Trey, Kyleigh, Noah and Nicholas and one aunt, Jean Ferguson Sawyer (Jimmy) of Milwaukee, NC.

A graveside service will be held at 3 PM Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Beechwood Cemetery, Boykins, VA with Rev. Kenneth Williams officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 8:30 PM at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, VA. www.wrightfuneralhome.org