Graveside services for Bill Herschel Gray, Age 80 of West Plains, Missouri at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Woodside Cemetery, Thomasville, Missouri, with Gary Dotson officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodside Cemetery: C/o Betsy McGibney, 542 Private Road 99-8, Birch Tree, MO 65438, or directly to the Woodside Cemetery Account at Alton Bank. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com
Billy “Bill” Herschal Gray, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the age of 98. He was born on July 12, 1927, to the late Roy Gray and Crystal (Hilderbrand) Gray. On March 16, 1945, he married Martha Hurlburt in Vancouver, Washington, and built a life together over a span of 80 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Opal Vehawn.
Bill will be dearly missed by his surviving family, which includes, his wife Martha; two sons, Keith and wife, Brenda of West Plains, MO, and Mike and wife, Glenna of Thomasville, MO; six grandchildren, Crystal Cook, Heather Butler, Billie Fuller, Beth Godat, Shannon Caraway, and Gary Gray; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bill was a man of many talents. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Army. He found great joy in the outdoors and spent countless hours hunting and fishing, and always enjoyed over 50 years of deer seasons with his sons and many friends. He also enjoyed gardening with his wife and sharing fresh vegetables with his family and friends. He spent the majority of his life, retiring only at 93, working as a logger, and lumber mill owner and operator.
