John Gray & Co, Bangor

John Gray & Co, Bangor Local funeral directors providing a friendly, professional service to the local community with branches located in Bangor and Holywood

Our Funeral Manager, Barbara Wilson, recently attended an event at Custom House highlighting the incredible work of Litt...
06/03/2026

Our Funeral Manager, Barbara Wilson, recently attended an event at Custom House highlighting the incredible work of Little Heroes, the charity supporting the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
Hearing from consultant paediatricians, hospital staff and parents was both uplifting and emotional, as they shared the daily challenges they face and the vital support Little Heroes provides to children and their families.
One particularly touching story was about a little girl who had been in hospital since birth and was just starting to toddle. She needed her first pair of shoes but had never left the hospital. Little Heroes arranged for Clarkes to visit, measure her feet and provide shoes — a simple gesture that meant so much to her family.
We are very proud to support such a fantastic charity. 💙

Walker, Alastair- passed away 25th February 2026 after a long illness bravely fought. Much-loved husband of Barbara, dev...
26/02/2026

Walker, Alastair- passed away 25th February 2026 after a long illness bravely fought. Much-loved husband of Barbara, devoted and caring father to Sarah and Stewart, father-in-law of Anat and grandfather to Amelie, Isla and Eli, dear brother of Colin.
A Celebration of Alastair’s Life will take place in Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium on Friday 6th March at 2pm.
No flowers please by request, donations in memory of Alastair may be made online to Macmillan via his tribute page at johngrayfuneraldirectors.com (Funeral Notices).
Alastair will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by the entire family circle and all his friends.

*We do not grant permission for this information to be copied or shared with other organisations.

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 4/4Tone of voiceIf you are struggling with writing your message, it may help to think about...
25/02/2026

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 4/4

Tone of voice

If you are struggling with writing your message, it may help to think about the voice of the person speaking it. You could use a favourite quote or saying your loved one used.

You could also write the message as though it is being spoken by a family member or a close friend, remembering your loved one.

If you are still struggling to choose the correct words for a headstone inscription you can ask your local Funeral Director for guidance. Our knowledgeable team can help guide you on pricing, designs and any restrictions, of the local church or burial site as well as offer advice on the perfect tribute for your loved one. Send us a message today or find more information about memorial masonry at: johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/services/memorial-masonry/

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 3/4 A lasting tribute to the life and memory of your loved one.Your headstone message will ...
18/02/2026

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 3/4

A lasting tribute to the life and memory of your loved one.

Your headstone message will be there for a long time, so try to choose wording for the inscription that will resonate with you and your family when visiting. Talk through your options with family and friends if you’re uncertain and consider whether what you are writing is timeless.

Our Funeral Home team can provide guidance and support you, ensuring the final inscription reflects the personality of your loved one.

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS DAY Today is Random Act of Kindness Day, the perfect day to take a moment to brighten someone’s d...
17/02/2026

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS DAY

Today is Random Act of Kindness Day, the perfect day to take a moment to brighten someone’s day with a small act of kindness.

It could be as simple as holding the door open, paying for someone’s coffee, or sending an unexpected message or flowers to a friend. Little gestures can make a world of difference to those who need it.

What is the nicest random act of kindness someone has done for you?

VALENTINE’S DAY – 14TH FEBValentine’s Day is a reminder of the power of love — the kind we share, the kind we cherish, a...
14/02/2026

VALENTINE’S DAY – 14TH FEB

Valentine’s Day is a reminder of the power of love — the kind we share, the kind we cherish, and the kind that stays with us always.

Today, many celebrate with cards and flowers, but it’s also a moment to reflect and remember those who are no longer with us. Love doesn’t end; it lives on in the stories we tell, the traditions we keep, and the moments that shape our lives.

If you’re remembering someone special today, we hope you feel surrounded by comfort, connection, and the enduring warmth of their love.

Wishing our community a peaceful and heartfelt Valentine’s Day.

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 2/4 Less is more.Headstone space is limited to a few lines, and shorter epitaphs often work...
11/02/2026

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 2/4

Less is more.

Headstone space is limited to a few lines, and shorter epitaphs often work well. Typically, your message should include a name, birth and death date, accompanied by a simple personal message to reflect your loved one. Your message could include family relationships, a traditional phrase, or a faith-based message. You could also include symbols, engraved images or photos, dependent on the restrictions of the church or burial ground.

Some examples are:

· In Loving Memory of

· Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather

· Till We Meet Again

· Now Protecting Us from Above

· In God's Care

You do not need to write a lot for your message to be meaningful. You can choose from different fonts and finishes such as gilding (gold leaf) and painting i.e. white, silver and black.

Our Funeral Home team can provide guidance and support you, ensuring the final inscription reflects the personality of your loved one. Share your advice on writing an inscription for a headstone.

NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAYFebruary 7th is National Send a Card to a Friend Day – a perfect time to send love a...
07/02/2026

NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY

February 7th is National Send a Card to a Friend Day – a perfect time to send love and warmth to those we care about.

Your card could celebrate happy moments or offer support during life's challenging times.

If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one, a heartfelt sympathy card can provide comfort and let them know they're in your thoughts.

Here are some tips on what to write:

Share a special memory

Offer to help in practical ways

Acknowledge their loss and offer your condolences

Celebrate the life and legacy of their loved one

Our Funeral Manager, Barbara Wilson attended the meeting this morning in her role of Chamber Co President. Any local Hol...
04/02/2026

Our Funeral Manager, Barbara Wilson attended the meeting this morning in her role of Chamber Co President. Any local Holywood business wishing to become involved feel free to reach out to the Chamber on the link provided.

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 1/4This month we are exploring how to write a headstone inscription for your loved one.Take...
04/02/2026

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS SERIES 1/4

This month we are exploring how to write a headstone inscription for your loved one.

Take your time.

The inscription on a headstone or memorial is a special and meaningful way to commemorate your loved one. Take your time when you decide on your wording, there’s no need to rush.

It takes several months to install a headstone or memorial after a funeral service, this gives you time to think, discuss with family and make a decision creating a lasting tribute that honours their memory.

Our Funeral Home team can provide guidance and support, ensuring the final inscription reflects the personality of your loved one. Share this with someone that needs support.

Willis, Joyce-passed away on 23rd January 2026, peacefully at home, with her family by her side. Loving and caring wife ...
28/01/2026

Willis, Joyce-passed away on 23rd January 2026, peacefully at home, with her family by her side. Loving and caring wife of Robert, cherished ‘mother’ of Scott and Kyle, mother-in-law of Lynne and Jade, devoted grandmother of Gabriella, Katie, Maddison, Holly and Phoebe and Teddy the dog.
A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will take place in Bangor Methodist Church on Friday 30th January at 10am, followed by burial in Clandeboye Cemetery at 11am. No black ties please, as per Joyce’s request.
Family flowers only, donations in memory of Joyce may be made online to either Marie Curie or Northern Ireland Hospice via her tribute page at johngrayfuneraldirectors.com (Funeral Notices). At rest.

*We do not grant permission for this information to be copied or shared with other organisations.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE 4/4Important points for guests.Unlike traditional funerals, a celebration of life often has a more p...
28/01/2026

CELEBRATION OF LIFE 4/4

Important points for guests.

Unlike traditional funerals, a celebration of life often has a more personal touch. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Dress Code - Follow the family’s wishes. They may ask for bright colours or something that reflects their loved one’s personality. If nothing is specified, choose modest, respectful attire.

What to Bring - Usually, there’s no expectation to bring anything. A thoughtful card, flowers (if appropriate), or a charity donation can be a kind gesture. Always check if the family has shared preferences.

Address

80 Central Avenue
Bangor
BT203

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Our story

John Gray and Co Funeral Directors has been serving the community of Holywood and Bangor for over 50 years and was established in Central Avenue in 1961. Today, caring for people is still at the heart of what we do at John Gray and Co Funeral Directors and we continue to provide a truly professional and caring service to the local community and surrounding areas.

The teams at our Bangor and Holywood funeral homes will provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process, and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one. We have our own service venue on-site.

Here at John Gray & Co Funeral Directors we also offer an affordable prepaid funeral plan, Choice, so that you can arrange and pay for a funeral in advance. This will protect your family from rising costs and remove uncertainty about your wishes.

If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, or our Choice plan, please come and see us in any of our funeral homes, or if you’d rather we can arrange a home visit. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call your local funeral home.