Street named for former long-serving councilman

CITY OF GRAY
  • Family and friends of the late Benny Gray Jr., who served 35 years on Gray’s City Council, celebrate the dedication. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
    Family and friends of the late Benny Gray Jr., who served 35 years on Gray’s City Council, celebrate the dedication. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
  • Wind and the large tarp over it made the unveiling of the Benny Gray Jr. Drive street sign on the corner of West Clinton Street a bit of a challenge Oct. 22. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
    Wind and the large tarp over it made the unveiling of the Benny Gray Jr. Drive street sign on the corner of West Clinton Street a bit of a challenge Oct. 22. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

    City of Gray councilmen paid tribute to one of their own last week with the dedication of a city street in his honor.

    What was formerly North Jefferson Street that runs beside First Baptist Church is now Benny Gray Jr. Drive. The unveiling of the sign and dedication of the road took place Oct. 22.

    The councilman’s brother Douglas and son Takeo spoke at the dedication.

    Councilman David Tufts welcomed family, friends and colleagues to the event and was assisted by Councilman Terry Favors in unveiling of the new street sign.

    Tufts served with Gray on city council for more than three decades.

    Gray was elected to represent the city’s District 2 in 1989 and began his first term in January of 1990. He remained in the position until he resigned in February, just months before his death May 2.

    Gray Mayor Ed Barbee read a proclamation from the city.

    “Whereas, it is the desire of the city to honor the memory of this remarkable individual and forever mark the deep appreciation we have for his contributions; and Whereas, this street dedication will serve as a permanent tribute to Benny Gray Jr. and will remind all who travel down this road of his dedication and service, and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that I, Ed Barbee, so hereby proclaim the dedication of Jefferson Lane as Benny Gray Jr. Drive and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Benny Gray Jr.”