Mr. Daryl Darnell Grays

Daryl Darnell Grays was born March 23, 1970 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Claud and Louise (Gentry) Grays. He was the last child born of their union. Daryl was educated in the Buena Vista school system. He was a 1988 graduate of Buena Vista High School. Daryl continued his education at Delta College, Western Michigan University, and Saginaw Valley State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Daryl accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church by the late Rev. R.B. Austin. He served as a youth usher and attended Sunday School. Upon relocating to Farmington Hills, MI, Daryl joined New Prospect Missionary Baptist of Detroit, MI. Although upon returning to Saginaw, he did not join another church, his faith journey continued. Daryl enjoyed worshiping with Victorious Believers and other churches. Growing up Daryl and his brother Guy were taught, by their father, the skills of yard maintenance, snow removal, house refurbishment, etc. This led Daryl to obtain his building license. Then Daryl and Guy established their own business, Grays Services LLC. Daryl also comes from a family of educators. Which led to him becoming an Instructional Paraprofessional at Burton Glenn Academy. He loved tutoring math and sowing into the lives of students. On March 17, 2018, Daryl became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Iota Chi Lambda Chapter. He served as Dean of Membership, Convention Delegate, active in planning & executing the MLK March and scholarship golf outing. He received the James P. Gaddis Service Award. Daryl’s final act of service was carrying the banner at the MLK Jr. Celebration on January 20, 2025. Daryl will be remembered for his love of God, love of family, dedication to his fraternity, and his contagious sense of humor. He could always make you laugh even on your worse day. The Lord called Daryl to his eternal home on Monday January 20, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memory, one brother, Guy Grays, two sisters, Joyce Adrow and Brenda Grays Holley; brother-in-law, Phillip Holley; two nephews, Jordan Holley and Jamal Holley; bonus nephew, Phillip Holley II; great-niece, Tamara Coleman; five aunts, Ida Stuckey, Travelstine Butler, Clintontine Fitz, Virginia Grays, and Yvonne Gentry; three uncles, Y.T. (Barbara) Gray, Clinton (Verda) Gentry, and Thomas (Cynthia) Gentry; his close friends, Paul Leek, Julius Boarden Jr; and a host of special cousins and friends. Daryl was preceded in death by his parents Claud and Louise Grays; two sisters, Loretta Harris and Claudine Grays; a nephew Markel Perkins; grandparents, Dave and Corrine Grays; Thomas and Annie Gentry. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, 2615 Williamson Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601.Pastor Otis Washington will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place on Friday at the funeral home 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Iota Chi Lambda Chapter will host an Omega Service at 5:00 p.m.

Mr. Daryl Darnell Grays

March 23, 1970 - January 20, 2025