Josiah Robert Gray, of Warsaw, passed into heaven on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was airlifted to the hospital because of complications from unexpected seizures on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The Gray family made the difficult decision to allow Josiah to be an organ donor; the family shared, "We honestly think it is consistent with the kind of boy Josiah was - giving of himself to others and always wanting to share his joy with others." His family deeply grieves his bright and unique light to the world while finding great comfort knowing that Josiah is in the arms of Jesus. Even at such a young age, he walked in a close, sweet, personal relationship with the Lord, guided so beautifully by his parents and family.
Josiah was born on Oct. 16, 2018, in Warsaw, to his loving parents, Elizabeth Joy Heuss and John Robert “JR” Gray. From the moment he was born he was loved by many. He was a vibrant, energetic, curious, and kind 5-year-old who truly lived life to the fullest. Josiah was both tough and tender, roughhousing with the best of them but also protecting and loving on his baby sister so well. He loved superheroes, construction, math, building things with his hands, wrestling with Dad, and reading Narnia with Mom. Most of all, he loved God fiercely and shared the joy of Jesus with everyone around him.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 ... he leaves behind his parents, Elizabeth and JR Gray and his 9-month-old sister Abigail Joy Gray, all of Warsaw. Also surviving are his grandparents, Doug and Linda Gray, Northfield, Ohio; Matthew and Judy Heuss, Indianapolis; four living great-grandparents and all of his loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Josiah’s life will be celebrated with a service at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Winona Lake Grace Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, and officiated by Pastor Kip Cone. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 9 a.m. to noon. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw at a private graveside memorial. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Memorial donations in Josiah’s memory may be directed to Hope’s Harbor, 7922 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804 and would be appreciated by the family. You can also donate online at https://hopesharborfw.org/donate/
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.