Cayden James Gray

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Cayden James Gray, 18, of Hartselle, Alabama will be 1:30PM Sunday at Hartselle First Missionary Baptist with Rev. Billy Young officiating. Inhumation will be at Center Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service. Public viewing will be Saturday from 1:00PM until 3:00PM at Reynolds Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 3:00PM until 5:00PM at Reynolds Funeral Home

On March 11, 2005, James and Beth were blessed with beautiful twin boys and named them Jayden Christopher and Cayden James. Cayden transitioned December 4, 2023, at the Decatur Campus of Decatur Morgan Hospital. As twins, Jayden and Cayden had a bond that only death would break.  He looked up to Jayden and admired his big sister, Taylor.  Cayden was one of the kindest, sweetest young man you could meet.  He always had a positive attitude and wanted to share good vibes wherever he went.   Cayden loved his mother.  He was quick to tell his mother that she was his heart, and he was her protector.

Cayden’s education began in the Hartselle School system.  As a senior, he looked forward to graduating from Brewer High School in May 2024.

As young children, Taylor, Jayden and Cayden started their Christian journey at Hartselle First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Billy R. Young. Their journey began in car seats traveling in the church van to attend church. Their love for church grew and they decided to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and the members of the church as their extended family.  The children started praying for Mike and Beth to attend church with them and after many prayers and seeing the children’s dedication, Mike and Beth made the decision to join the ministry.  

Cayden was dedicated to the ministry at Hartselle First Missionary Baptist Church.  He was faithful to attending Sunday school classes and spent his Wednesday nights at Bible Study, inviting his friends to join him.  Cayden served on the Kitchen Committee and was active in the Youth Choir and Youth Ministry.  Before his health struggles, Cayden served as a member of the Usher Board. As he made lasting friendships with the youth of the church, he developed a special bond with Aliyuh Jones.  Cayden and Aliyuh worked together as a team when it came to decorating the church, participating in church skits, plays and many other activities.

Cayden developed a love for singing and started making his own music.  He wrote the song, “Mama Proud” in honor of his mother.  Cayden loved to work and earn money.  He never turned down an opportunity to work with Pastor Young on different jobs.  He was very eager to help anyone with a need or a task that needed to be completed.

Cayden was preceded in death by his grandparents, Candy Moore and JR Gray; Great grandparents, James and Peggy Woodall.

Cayden leaves to cherish his memory: his Mother, Beth Hersey Kent and Stepfather, Michael Kent; Father, James Gray (Brittany); Brother, Jayden Gray; Sisters, Taylor Gray and Madison Gray; Grandparents, Sherry Parrett (Asa), Jeff Hersey, Jim Mathes, and Jackie and Judith Anderson; Aunts, Lindsey Hood, Leann Echols and Candy Eker; Great Aunt, Kendall Roman;  Hartselle First Missionary Baptist Church family; and other loving relatives and friends.

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