The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
WWW.SDVOICE.INFO
• Thursday, July 4, 2019
Harold Patton Jr.
Donald Gray SUNRISE
Wendy Edwards
SUNRISE
August 11, 1944
SUNRISE
February 22, 1969
SUNSET
July 20, 1972
SUNSET
June 18, 2019
5
SUNSET
June 11, 2019
June 10, 2019
Arrangements by Preferred Cremation & Burial
Arrangements by Preferred Cremation & Burial
Arrangements by Preferred Cremation & Burial
Donald “Don” Earl Gray was born on August 11, 1944, in Paris, Texas to Bessie Alma Mason and Willie Gray. Donald was the second of four children.
Today we pause in humble submission to the will of our Father in heaven, who in his perfect timing, has called home to eternity one of his own, Harold Patton, Jr. Harold’s early journey began February 22, 1969 in Lafayette, LA to Clora Ann Barnett and Harold Patton, Sr. He was the youngest of three children.
Wendy Warras was born along with her twin sister Wanda in Menominee, Michigan on July 20, 1972. They were the proud daughters of Connie and David Warras. Wendy attended Menominee High School, where she graduated in 1990. After graduation she joined the United States Navy and served her country for eight years, along with her brother David Warras. After completing her military career Wendy gave birth to two beautiful girls, Aryanna and a few years later, Ashlyn. As a single mother, Wendy was a very devoted and determined mother. She was such a passionate woman in whatever she set her mind to do. No words can describe how much of an impact she made in her time here on earth. The world is a better place because she passed through here. Wendy worked for AT&T, ManPower, and the San Diego School District over the years. Wendy enjoyed club soccer and spending time with her daughters. Wendy transitioned from this world on June 10, 2019 and joins her mother and father in her heavenly home. She leaves to cherish her memory her precious daughters Aryanna and Ashlyn; fiancé James Sablan; four siblings Jodi (Mike) Baker, David J. (Kathy Johnson) Warras, Kieth (Jen) Warras, and Wanda (Brian) Mottl; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Don was a beloved varsity high school athlete and Captain of the Gibbons High School Varsity Football Team. He was well known around Paris, Texas as “Waxey” nicknamed for his shiny skin. Waxey worked in the meatpacking plant and picked cotton to help support his family. Soon after graduation, instead of accepting one of the many football scholarships he had received from universities such as Oklahoma State, he opted to enlist in the U.S. Navy. In 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Jean Washington. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he valiantly served along with his brother Troy Gray on the USS McCormick, a Naval Destroyer. Their tour included the Vietnam War. In 1967, Don was honorably discharged for health reasons. Soon thereafter, he began working for the Department of Defense. Over his thirty-plus year career as a civil servant, he worked in several positions, rising to the ranks of a Supervisor Analyst at North Island Naval Air Station. He retired in 1999. In 1986, Don joined his beloved Christian Fellowship Congregational Church where he dedicated several decades of faithful service. At Christian Fellowship, he served many roles, including serving on the Diaconate and Evangelism Board, Church Council, Trustee Board, Choir and Men’s Ministry, and chef extraordinaire. He loved to barbeque at church functions. Don was also an active member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir of San Diego, Fidelity Lodge #10, Prince Hall Freemasonry, and other local groups. Don was an outgoing, energetic, loving, and kind family man. He was full of life and had a positive aura. His loving personality, infectious laugh, and bright, beautiful smile made everyone around him feel better. Even the neighborhood kids called him “grandad.” Famously known for his thick mustache, Don was a compassionate and caring person who opened his heart and doors to everyone. He loved cooking and truly believed his BBQ ribs and fried catfish were the best. Don enjoyed a variety of activities including daily walks around Chollas Lake with his buddies, fishing, and watching Jerry Springer and old western cowboy movies. He also loved playing the lottery and visited 7/11 daily. On June 8, 2019, Don and Bobbie celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. The Lord called Don home on Tuesday, June 18th after a four-year battle with ALS and dementia. He passed away holding the hand of his devoted wife. Don leaves to celebrate his life: wife, Bobbie Gray; daughters, Pamela Gray Payton and Linda Diane Behn; sons, Craig D. Gray and Derryck E. Gray; son-in-law, Jerome C. Payton; daughter-in-law, Caroline Sanchez; brother, Troy Gray; sister-in-law, Annie Faye Gray; grandchildren, Jason Behn, Terence Hasten, Brittany A. Harvey, Anthony G. Gray, Brandyn A. Harvey, Derryck E, Gray Jr, Siqualah M. Behn, Tania M. Gray, Kitana E. Gray, and Briajah C. Payton; great-grandchildren, Keaton, Lauren, Ja’carius, Anthony, Jr., Jordan, Amdyn, Xavier, and Amir. He also leaves his beloved adopted niece Charis Chambers and her mother, Carrie Garnett. Don’s spirit was boundless. Everyone who knew him loved and respected him. Although Don’s passing hurts, we can hold on to our memories of him; knowing that he lived and loved life to the fullest. Donald is survived by a host of relatives and family friends who will miss him dearly.
Harold accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age in Shreveport, LA. He received his formal education from Shreveport and Many, Louisiana Unified School Districts, and graduated from Many High School in 1987. He furthered his education at Grambling State University, the Alma Mater of his mother’s. After attending Grambling, Harold relocated to San Diego, CA to live near his father. Harold worked various jobs in San Diego County from ARC, San Diego Airport, and Na-Com Communication before finding a job that he truly enjoyed. In 2009 he worked as a truck driver for a number of trucking and logistics companies until he found the one company that he enjoyed working for, Blue Lighting Logistics Co., which he worked for until his passing. In 1994 he met his soulmate Regina Jackson. The two were united in Holy Matrimony in 1995 and were blessed with a union lasting twenty- four years. Harold was a loyal friend, a faithful husband, and a proud father. He couldn’t be prouder, or happier with his sons. He loved to barbecue, cook gumbo. He was just a humorous, generous, and kind man who loved the Lord, his family, and friends.
On Tuesday, June 11, 2019 Harold was called from his earthly labor to eternal rest. Although Harold physical body is gone, he is still with us and will live in our hearts and minds forever. We are all God’s children; some of us are loaned out for a little longer than others. Only God knows when He is ready for us. So let us celebrate all the good times and the memories we shared during the time Harold was with us. Preceding him in death were parents; grandparents Essie Bell and Edward Barrett; and aunt Connie White. Harold leaves to cherish his wonderful memories; wife Regina Jackson-Patton; three sons Jamorrius Hollins of Natchitoches, LA, Keion Patton, and KaJahn Patton of San Diego, CA; brother Warren Smith (Tanya) Many, LA; sister Cyd Texada (Ricky) of Texas; aunts Clara Bell White of Atlanta, GA, Edwina Thomas (Lamar) of Fisher, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will mourn his homegoing, yet celebrate his life.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY 5050 Federal Boulevard San Diego, California 92102 (619) 263-3141 www.andersonragsdalemortuary.com
“STILL FAMILY OWNED STILL THE SAME QULAITY SERVICE STILL WORTHY OF YOUR TRUST”
Lillie Mae Tillerson
In 2015 Harold rededicated his life to Christ and joined Greater Life Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Cedric Manley. He also worshipped under the leadership of Interim Pastor Michael Jackson, Elder John Loyd, and Pastor Nate Stewart. He particularly enjoyed fellowshipping with the Man Cave every Saturday that he was home.
H.W. “Skipper” Ragsdale, III Owner (In Memoriam)
Valerie Ragsdale Owner
Continuing over 130 Years of Service
Kevin Weaver General Manager
SUNRISE
September 11, 1936
SUNSET
June 11, 2019
Arrangements by Preferred Cremation & Burial Lillie Mae Tillerson was born September 11, 1936, in Talladega, Alabama to Isabell and Charlie Wooden. Lillie accepted the Lord at an early age attending Triump Church in Talladega. Lillie went to Westside Jr. High. Lillie moved to San Diego, California over sixty years ago where she met and was united in matrimony to Frank Tillerson on October 27, 1966. They shared thirty-five years of marriage before her husband passed in 2002. Lillie had one son, Willie Joe and she was blessed with a stepson, Daryl Wayne. Lillie was an Independent Housekeeper for over sixty years until she could no longer work due to health conditions. On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, Lillie Mae Tillerson transitioned from this life to life eternal. She leaves to celebrate her passing two sons, Willie Joe Wooden and Daryl Wayne; her best friend, Gladis Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isabell; two brothers, Willie and J.W., and her husband Frank Tillerson.