Born in Ware Shoals, S.C. he was a son of the late Deckerd Jefferson and Susie Hix Gray.

He was a former member of Ware Shoals First Baptist Church and was formerly employed by Riegel Textile Corporation. Mr. Gray served as a Captain in the USAF during the Korean War.

 Surviving are two sons, Stephen Lamar Gray and wife, Vickie of Moore and John Deckerd Gray of Greer, a daughter, Jan Gray Owings of High Point, N.C.,  one brother Michael Hix Gray and wife, Marisue, of Lyman, S.C., nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

 He was pre-deceased by a son, James Gary Gray, Jr., a brother, Deckerd Jefferson Gray, Jr. and two sisters, Martha Sue Ballentine and Anajane Greeson.

 Funeral services will be held at 4 P.M. Tuesday at Parker-White Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Leon Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

 The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Windsor House in Spartanburg.

 The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Tuesday at Parker-White Funeral Home prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com