The councilman served continuously since he took office Jan. 1, 1990, until he resigned Feb. 14, 2025. He was re-elected eight times.
Gray passed away May 2 in a local nursing facility.
The councilman was last elected in 2021 and was just over a month into what would have been his 36th year when he resigned due to health issues.
He attended school in Gray, graduating from Maggie Califf in 1958. Gray attended Morehouse College on a basketball scholarship until he was drafted. He served in the Army from 1960-62.
Gray played basketball while in the military and actually got a chance to participate and tried out for the Harlem Globetrotters.
When he qualified to run for office in 1989, Gray was listed as being 51 years old and the single father of two sons. The Jones County News article stated Gray had worked with the Bibb County NAACP for 25 years and worked part-time for Collins Funeral home. One of the issues in the election was the city’s need for a stable water supply.
He won the election easily over the incumbent with a margin of 78-37.
Information from his family included that he was a dedicated basketball coach and was a referee for youth sports. The councilman also started the recreational basketball league in Gray.
He was a member of Mt. Salem Baptist Church and a member of the men’s choir.
Gray’s complete obituary can be found in this week’s edition.
