William Gray, D.O.

William B Gray D.O. (79) of Cowen, WV, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2015 at home surrounded by family.  Bill was born in Richwood, West Virginia on December 16, 1935 and was the first son of Walter and Vell (Bennett) Gray.

As a teenager, Bill was inspired to pursue an education in Osteopathic medicine by his uncle John N. Kurish D.O.  After graduation from Cowen High School in 1954, he went to West Virginia University for pre-med and was accepted at Kirksville (MO) School of Osteopathic Medicine (now AT Still University) in 1957.

"Dr. Bill" marks the end of the era of house calls as he served the Cowen area as a physician in private practice from 1962 through 1998 when he retired.  He also acted as Webster County Health Officer from 1971-1998 and served on the Webster County Board of Education.  Bill was a member of Trinity UMC & UM Men, Camden-on-Gauley Masonic Lodge # 107 where he served as the "Worshipful Master" in 1985-1986, Camden-on-Gauley Chapter #161 Order of the Eastern Star where he served as "Worthy Patron" 2000-2001, a 50+ year member of the Cowen's Lion's club, and The WV Society of Osteopathic Medicine where he was recognized as the "Practitioner of the Year" in 1995.  Bill also supported the building of the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg.

Bill is survived in death by his wife of 59 years, Charlene Smith Gray.  His brother, Max + Greta Gray of Little Rock, AR, his son Edward + Dana Gray of Fairmont, WV, daughters Janet & Mike Mathes and Barbara + Mike Ritchie both of Cowen, WV.  Bill had eight grandchildren: Jacqui + Ty Boyce and Amanda + Gareth Markwardt both of Tucson, AZ, Laura + Dana Snyder, Matthew + Lorena Ritchie of Cowen, WV, Chad Mathes and Ryan + Jamie Mathes of Nicholas Co., Daryl Lynne + John Cruse and Alex Gray of Morgantown, WV, 10 great grand children, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and his devoted caretaker Annette Clevinger

A memorial service will be held at Trinity UMC in Cowen, WV on Saturday, April 25th at 12 pm.   Visitation with the family will precede the service starting at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, WV, or Trinity UMC, Cowen, WV.  Adams-Reed Funeral Home are honored to assist the family in arrangements.