Graham "Gray" Thornton Dalton, age 85, joined his heavenly Father on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

Gray is survived by his wife of 56 years, JoAnn Masten Dalton of the home; his beloved sister-in-laws Becky (Jerry) Tuttle and Lynn Page; his three girls (nieces) Shannon (Alan) Nifong, Kristen (Steve) Gordon, Traci (Edward Jr.) Hanes; great nieces Sullivan Gordon, Madelyn Hanes, and Evelyn Hanes; and great nephews Austin Nifong and Trevor Gordon; and numerous cousins who were very dear. He is preceded in death by his parents P.W. and Lillie Link Dalton; his brother Norris Dalton; his half sisters Christine Brewer, Carrie Cagle and Leda Livengood.

Gray was born January 1, 1931 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and some of his early childhood years were spent with family in Bellhaven, NC. He proudly served our community as a Winston-Salem Police Officer for 33 years prior to his retirement in 1986. He was proud to be a 33 degree Mason at the Winston-Salem Lodge. He served his Lord as a long-time member of Love's United Methodist Church in Walkertown, NC. In recent years, he spent countless mornings with his friends at Bojangles and he cherished those times.

Gray loved family more than anything. Spending time with his great nieces and nephews made him the happiest. His strength and loving spirit will be missed.

A family visitation will be held on Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Salem Funeral & Cremation Service, 120 S. Main Street, in Winston-Salem. The funeral service will be on Sunday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Love's United Methodist Church in Walkertown. The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations or memorials be made to Love's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, Walkertown, NC 27051.

Posted by Salem Funerals & Cremations