John Timothy "Tim" Gray

John Timothy “Tim” Gray, age 63, of Magnolia, passed away, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at his residence.

Tim was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico to John and Mildred Gray. However, the majority of his life was spent in Kentucky. He was an ordained minister, counselor, and musician. He always joked that he "squeezed" a 4 year Bachelor's degree in music into 9 years at Kentucky Wesleyan, and received his Master's in Counseling from Western Kentucky University in a much shorter time frame (thankfully). He spent many years as the music minister at South Fork Baptist Church and joined the congregation at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church until his passing. He was incredibly compassionate, empathetic, and smart, but funny enough to make you forget.

He had an insatiable love of education and it was impossible to spend much time around him without learning something. Maybe it was the nine years of music education courses, but somehow, it seemed he could teach a person music without a single instrument in the room. And if there was an instrument in the room, he could play it... at least enough to be impressive. Though he played trumpet for most of his life, his best instrument was his deep voice. Music followed him wherever he went. If he loved any topic more than music, though, it was Jesus. While he hadn't pastored a church in many years, he never stopped studying and reading his bible and telling his loved ones about the truth and hope he found within.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death a sister, Geneva L. Herring.

Tim is survived by his wife, Jill Gray; a daughter, Felicia (Aaron) Gray of St. Louis; a sister, Roberta “Robbie” Gray of Hodgenville; a niece, Debra “Debbie” Johnson; a great nephew, Dalton Johnson and a great niece, Emily Proctor and a special friend, Sue Smiley.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Mount Moriah Baptist Church with Bro. Shannon McCubbins officiating.

Visitation will begin after 9 a.m. Saturday morning at the church.

Bennett-Bertram Funeral Home in Hodgenville is in charge of the arrangements.

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