A variety of factors is generally taken into consideration before a major life decision is made.

Last month, Jerry Gray was put in a tough predicament: either stay and continue to serve as the Host Director of the Salem Chick-Fil-A or return to his home state of Alabama to become a full-time pastor.

Gray, understandably, mulled over the decision for weeks. Before reaching a conclusion, he had extensive talks with friends and family members. What it ultimately came down to was, as Gray put it, “the need to just be back in the pulpit.”

“My wife and I, along with our two young children, moved on faith as I went to Bible College in 1982. I graduated in 1986, and took my first church that summer in Tennessee,” he added. “For the next 26 years, I pastored churches all over the South, including one in Roanoke.”

Born in Kingston, North Carolina, Gray is the oldest of five children. At an early age, he knew what a strong work ethic was because of the example his parents set for him.

In 1978, at age 23, Gray became a Christian and a youth pastor. He committed himself to full-time ministry just four years later.

Since 2013, Gray has worked at the Salem Chick-Fil-A. When asked what some of his favorite memories are, his response was, “the Christmas parties, working special events, being part of a great team of directors and ministering to the people I served as guests on a daily basis.”

Gray’s willingness to do whatever was needed to get the job done was appreciated by many, including Thomas Coleman. “For the last four years, I’d say I’ve been coming to the Salem Chick-Fil-A about six times a month. Every time I’ve seen or spoken to Jerry, he always had a smile on his face. I never saw him get upset with a customer, which is something that can’t be said about everyone. I wish him all the best as he starts this new life chapter,” Coleman said.

On August 29, Gray and his family will be heading to Alabama to get acclimated with members of Goodwater Baptist Church and the City of Birmingham.

“I’m so thankful for owners Shaine and Vanessa Miles for allowing me to pray with and encourage so many people over the last six years. I’m also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to not only serve the Salem community, but to become a part of so many folks lives,” Gray said. “It was a joy to anticipate the births of so many children, encourage the discouraged and seeing people date before getting married. I will miss the laughter, smiles and stories of our life experiences. It has truly been my pleasure.”