Nolan Gray

1939 - 2025

Nolan “Pee Wee” Gray, the eldest child was born on August 24,1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana to his parents Oliver and Dorothy Mercier Gray. Nolan passed peacefully into the arms of his loving God, on March 10, 2025, at the age of 85 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nolan was a lifelong resident of LaPlace, Louisiana. Nolan,embodied the qualities of faith, laughter and unwavering love.

Nolan’s life was an ongoing symphony of happiness. From a young age, he cultivated a sense of joy that was evident to anyone who crossed his path. His schooling at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School instilled in him a deep faith that became the cornerstone of his existence. His Christianity was not just a belief but a way of life, reflecting in his actions, kindness, and ever-present joy that he shared with everyone around him.

A proud patriot, Nolan served his country with distinction as an Airman 2nd Class at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, from 1960 to 1964. His service was an experience he held dear to his heart. Post service, Nolan was employed by Brown and Root for over 20 years as a draftsman. During this time, he established himself as a dedicated and diligent worker, he was respected and loved by all his colleagues. His humor, always a cherished gift, made workdays brighter and friendships deeper. An unwavering New Orleans Saints fan “Who Dat”.

Family was Nolan’s treasure. Although predeceased by his father Oliver Gray, his mother, Dorothy Mercier Gray, and his sister Betty Jean Gray, his heart remained filled with love of his surviving family: Kenny, Brian, Kinji and Ashley, each to carry forward his legacy of laughter and kindness. Nolan is survived by his dedicated sister June Gray Wolfe and his younger sister Veronica Gray Smith. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Nolan’s sense of humor and loving nature lives on in the bonds of family and friends.

Nolan’s legacy of happiness will be cherished. While we gather to remember Nolan, let us hold close the joy he brought into our lives. Though Nolan is no longer with us in body, his spirit of joy and laughter continues to echo in the hearts of all who loved him. May his soul find peace, and may his memory bring comfort to us all.

Relatives, friends of the family, Priest and Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and all neighboring Churches are invited to a Tribute of Nolan’s Life and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 772 LA-44, Reserve, LA 70084.  Fr. Roderick Coates, SSJ-Celebrant.  Visitation 8:00am until the time of Funeral Mass.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary 9:00am.  Interment St. John Memorial Gardens, 2205 W. Airline Hwy, Laplace, LA 70068.  Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.  605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.  985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.” 

It will be a time to celebrate a life that was not cut short but filled with joy, humor and a deep abiding faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.