Woodstock Firefighter Dies After Battle With Cancer

WOODSTOCK, GA — A Woodstock firefighter has died Sunday morning after a battle with cancer, Woodstock Police announced in an Instagram post.

Firefighter David Gray died surrounded by family and loved ones, police said in the post. Gray was vital in Woodstock and was loved, police said.

The Woodstock Fire Department shared photos of Gray via Facebook.

"He has fought the good fight. He will never be forgotten. He was a co-worker, friend, son, husband, father, a “Grumpy” and a brother. It goes without saying he was so very loved and will be greatly missed, our lives are better for knowing him. Please continue to keep his wife Melissa and their family in your prayers, as well as our fire family," fire officials said in the Facebook post.

In August 2022, the Cherokee Tribune and Ledger-News reported Gray battled stage 4 esophageal cancer. At the time, Gray had been with the Woodstock Fire Department for 17 years and had a total of at least 22 years in fire service, the news outlet reported.

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services raised more than $6,000 to benefit Gray at the time, the Cherokee Tribune reported.

"David is an amazing man, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He has selflessly sacrificed time and personal safety, working beside his brothers and sisters to fight fires and protect life and property in our community. It is our hope that the money raised will provide much needed relief for David and his precious family," Cherokee County fire officials said in a statement to the Cherokee Tribune.