William "Bill" Duke Goray

William "Bill" Duke Goray, 92, passed from his earthly home into his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in Graham. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Talladega Funeral Home in Talladega, Alabama. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Talladega, Alabama. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Talladega, Alabama. Pallbearers for this service will be Jim Hazel, Roy Barnes, Talmadge Gaither, Paul Gaither, Ray Studdard, and Harry Gaither. A memorial service will be held in Graham Texas, Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Morrison Funeral Home Chapel.

Bill was born October 19, 1924 in Talladega, Alabama to the late John William and Jessie Mae (Duke) Goray. He married Bertha LaVenia Gaither November 26, 1946 in Talladega and she preceded him in death November 18, 2006. Bill served in the United States Army Infantry as a Machine Gunner during World War II. He was wounded in route to the Battle of the Bulge and received the Purple Heart Medal. Bill was a devout Christian and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Talladega Alabama where he served many years as a deacon and taught the Senior Men's Sunday School Class. Bill and Bertha moved to Graham in 2000 to be near their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and when his health allowed Bill attended South Bend Baptist Church.

Survivors include: daughter, Debbie Black and husband, Ray of Graham; son, Les Goray and wife, Donna of Graham; grandchildren, Lynn Dooley and husband, Gene, Lisa Black Knightstep and husband, Jimi, Amber Reyes and husband, Oscar, Cody Black and Jared Black; great grandchildren, Will Miller, Charlie Miller, Scarlett Miller, Kasen Black, Macall Reyes, Hannah Hackler, Brock Reyes, Brady Black, and Halle Black, and special friend Jamie Taylor.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Ruth Waldrop, Nannie Gaither, and Leatrice Goray.

Memorials may be made to charity of your choice.