James Alvin Gray passed from this life at home on Oct. 16, 2023 at the age of 87.

He was born Feb. 21, 1936 in DeRidder, La.  Alvin was a farmer, a rancher and a businessman.  In his early years he farmed soybeans and wheat on his land while building a business in town.  He started out selling hardware and chainsaws.  Eventually, he added Honda Motorcycles and then became the first Datsun (Nissan) dealer in Louisiana.  In 1991 he purchased the Ford dealership in DeRidder and added it to the mix.  He had many honors in the auto retailing business but the one he was most proud of was being named Louisiana’s candidate for Time Magazine’s “Quality Dealer of the Year”  He sold the business in 2005 to enjoy retirement with his wife of 67 years, Aldie Gray.  They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome all over the United States and traveled as far as Alaska and Nova Scotia.  Their big passion was their church and faith in God, they traveled as far as Cameroon, Africa on mission trips.  They were big supporters of the church and considered all who went, their family.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Aldie Kennedy Gray; son, Anthony and wife, Jennifer Gray; brother, Alvie Don Gray; three granddaughters, Somer Hudson, Sarah Gray and Shelbi Gray; two great-grandchildren; two bonus great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Ethel Gray.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Shady Grove Pentecostal Church in DeRidder, La.  Visitation will continue Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. also in Shady Grove Pentecostal Church.  Pastor Ricky Wead and Pastor Jeff Phillips will officiate the service.  Pallbearers will be Matt Hill, Keith Kennedy, Shannon Kennedy, John Gray, George Clark, Justin Dowden.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Townley, Prentice Salusbury, Bradley Groves. Burial will follow at Whitaker Cemetery in DeRidder, La.

Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La.