Moses "Mo" William Gray

On February 6, 2023, the world lost a gentle giant, Moses William Gray, Jr. He went home to be with his Lord at the age of 85 years. Moses was born on April 12th, 1937, in Goochland, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Ida B. (Young) Gray; Daughter, Tamara Gray Brown; Siblings: Walter Wayne Gray, Hazel Gray Britt, Florence Jean Gray Tyler, and Robert Lee Gray.

Moses lived a life of service to his family, his church, and the community. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. Moses was an active member of Light of the World Christian Church serving on the Finance Committee. A great man of faith, he was so thankful to God for the many opportunities he had been blessed with throughout his life. He graduated from East Conemaugh High School where he played football. His football career led him to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. He graduated from Indiana University in 1961. Moses was drafted by both the NFL’s New York Giants (ninth round) and American Football League’s New York Jets (27th round). He played two seasons with the Jets. After his football career he remained active in the Indiana University community. Moses was a member of the IU Association and served as chairman for IU’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. He chaired the center’s fundraising committee.

Moses was a trailblazer setting the example for the next generation of leaders. His accomplishments were expansive, and he was the epitome of excellence throughout his life’s journey. Moses embodied leadership, advocacy, and distinction across many industries and community causes. It is impossible to encapsulate all the lives he touched, the people he influenced, and the exponential impact he made in society during his time among us. Moses was a humble man who knew how to raise funds for various community and educational needs.

A founding member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he served as the initial Secretary, his impact within the 100 family will be felt for generations to come. A shining example of a principal belief the100 organization was founded on —- What They See Is What They’ll Be® —- Moses Gray lived a life that was extremely useful and honorable while showing compassion to others. His service to his community made a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

The accomplishments of Moses W. Gray are well documented and archived. From the founding of the Homes for Black Children, 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. and the headquarters of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., at Indiana University Foundation and General Motors, and especially through the extensive collection housed at the Indiana Historical Society. His footprint and impact are surpassed by the smile he always displayed when entering a room or engaging with a young person.

Moses’ many awards bears testimony to the accomplishments made throughout his lifetime. He was especially proud of the 100 Black Men movement and organization, at its local and national level. A founding member and president of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc., his service was extensive and included working on numerous committees, programs, and community initiatives. Moses was pivotal in the development and success of the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. Summer Reading Academy. At the national level, Moses served as secretary of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. for eight years. He was acknowledged for his commitment, work, and dedication to the 100 Black Men with the following awards and recognition: the National Midwest District named in his honor, Indianapolis’ Centurion Club Award in 2022, and The Moses Gray Man of the Year Award also in his honor. They have also established a Scholarship in his name.

Moses served as Past President of the Indianapolis Chapter of the NAACP and the Membership Committee Chair. His entire family has a Lifetime Membership in the NAACP. Gray was historically involved in causes to address racial justice and inequities including police brutality, racism in schools, health disparities, and other issues directly impacting the lives of children. That passion for youth extended to his many affiliations including the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, the State Council on Adoptable Children, where he served as president in 1972, the Black Adoption Committee, serving as president in 1973, the Indiana Association for the Rights of Children, where he was the inaugural president in 1974.

His accomplishments at General Motors and business leadership within the automotive industry spanned 30 years. Moses started out as an inspector and rose through the ranks to general superintendent retiring in 1992. Moses William was a proven leader, a 100 Black Men Statesmen, he was a friend to many, and will forever remain an example of a life well lived.

Moses is survived by his loving Son, William Bernard Gray. Son-in-law: Ronald Brown. Brother-in-law: James Louie Tyler, Glen, Bill and Lawrence (Lucky) Powell. Two devoted nieces: LaRushia “Cookie” Jones and LeWana Britt, who have been by their side for 16 years. Grandchildren: Aaron Brown, Maria Brown, Kayla Gray, William Gray, Qishana Gray, Jasmine Gray, Kieno Scott and DeAndre Davis and three great grandchildren: Indie Brown, Kashton Gray and Kendrick Gray. Siblings: Brother: Ralph (Virginia) Gray and Sister: Ida Wynetta Gray Hampton. Exchange Students who became family: Carlos (Mila) Machado and Vicki (Kim) Bruen and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, at Light of The World Christian Church 4646 N. Michigan Rd, from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis Moses Gray Scholarship Fund. Please share a memory or a condolence of Moses at www.flannerbuchanan.com. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North.

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