William was mentioned in the 11 April 1742 will of his father, William Gray, proved on 19 October 1742. Unto son William Gray all that Plantation whereon my Father dwelt (and I Purchased of my brother Abner Gray) together with all the land thereunto belonging. To Son William Gray my Negro boy Will and my Negro Girl Lucy and her increase (except her first Child that shall live to the age of five years, at which age I give and bequeath the said Child unto my said Daughter Sarah. If either my Son john Gray or my Son William Gray shall die without issue of his body that then the part of Land before bequeathed to my son William be equally divided among my two Daughters Alice Gray and Sarah Gray. All the remainder of my Personal Estate unto Loving wife and my four Children to be equally divided. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 6, pages 387–389.]