William Archie Grays

William Archie Grays, lovingly known as “Gray” and “Cuz” was born on December 11, 1925, to the late Willie and Lugirtha Graves in Sanford, North Carolina.

Gray attended Broadway and W.B Wicker Elementary schools in Lee County, North Carolina and joined Chestnut A.M.E Zion Church at an early age. Gray was a man of faith who believed in having a relationship with God whom he referred to as, “The Good Lord”.

Gray is mourned and remembered by his loving and devoted wife, Katherine “Kathy” Stokes whom he loved and adored very much. Kathy was his strong pillar of strength, support and comfort till the very end.

Born and raised in the South, Gray was surrounded by a tight-knit family, including cousins Silas “Uncle Bill” McKoy, Margaret “Aunt Lucille” Prince, William “Uncle Prentice” McKoy (Aunt Helen), Agatha “Gat” McKoy, and Betty “Bet” Lynn Marks. Their bond was so strong that they felt more like siblings, and Gray held each of them dear to his heart.

Gray enlisted in the United States Army as a Technician Fifth Grade in 1944. He proudly served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. After his service, he made Detroit, Michigan his permanent home, where he became well-loved and respected. He called everyone “Cuz” and before long the nickname became his own — a connection he shared with everyone he met.

Cuz dedicated 57 years of his life to Ford Motor Company, working as a painter. During his time there, he made many memories with his “running buddies” Ceasel, Flyy, Harvey, Tyrone, Harold, O’Dell and was proud to be part of the Ford family, alongside Bill Ford who was the CEO. Even after retirement, he proudly wore his signature Blue Ford coveralls every day as a symbol of pride and dedication. Cuz was an active member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union and in 1987 driven by a deep commitment to improving conditions for his fellow workers, he campaigned for Union President. Beyond his work at Ford, Cuz was also a business owner, running a local store on West Chicago in Detroit, MI known as “Cuz’s.”

When Cuz was not working or running his business, he found comfort driving back to the South to reconnect with his roots, reflecting on his life all while listening to his favorite gospel groups such as The Jackson Southernaires and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.

On Monday, July 14th, 2025, Cuz peacefully transitioned in his home in Highland Park, Michigan with his family by his side. Though we feel the deep sorrow of his passing, we joyfully celebrate the extraordinary legacy of a man whose heart, humor, wisdom, and humility touched the lives of four generations.

Cuz was preceded in death by his daughter Mary “Maewillie” Woods, his son Zane Edward Grays, his godson Angelow Fox, and great-grandchild Grandson Morgan III. Cuz is survived by his wife: Kathy, 3 children: Glynn Grays, William Brandon Grays, and Rozalyn Grays. Stepchildren Colisa and Davell Stokes, his adopted children Kristina and Aaron Stokes. Cuz's legacy lives on through his 3 children, 22 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 17 great great-grandchildren, as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends. 

Cuz taught us that love does not need to be loud—it can be quiet and steadfast, felt in every handshake, every smile, laughter, and every story told. Cuz lived a long and truly remarkable life, he will be dearly missed. And as he would say, when departing from those he knew, “Ok Cuz, you hold ’em on the road and be cool” until we meet him again.