David Lee Gray, born April 1, 1948, in Baltimore, MD, passed away peacefully after a two-year battle with cancer, and was taken into the arms of his Lord on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
David served 30 years in the Alabama National Guard and US Army Reserves, retiring as a full Colonel. He was a graduate of the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and earned his EdD from the University of Alabama. David was a teacher and an assistant principal, before becoming a principal in Tuscaloosa County for 15 years. He then accepted a position as a professor at the University of South Alabama for 16 years until his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf and loved the game of baseball.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marshall Gray and mother, Bea Gray.
David is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie “Toni”; three sons, Jason, Ryan (Miriam), Christopher; two grandsons, William and Noah; sister, Carolyn Jourdan; along with nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
David was a devoted husband and father. He was a best friend as well as a dad to his sons. His family was blessed by his love, his humor, intelligence, generosity, and wisdom. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Funeral services will be held at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Visitation at 10AM with the celebration of his life to follow at 11AM. Service will be conducted by Reverend Thack Dyson of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 28788 N Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 or the Prodisee Pantry, P.O. Box 7403, Spanish Fort, AL 36577.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
I’ve known this Man for 74 years & regret that 50 years of Life caused our drifting apart but he was always in my heart & mind & I in his! When we would see each other(when he came to Maryland) it was like no time had passed! Sad Sad day!!
George and are sad to learn of Dave’s passing.
We have fond memories of the college years at Frostburg and the friendship that was continued mainly via Christmas letters plus social media.and a few visits during the past 54 years. God Bless you Toni and family..
Dr. Gray was a wonderful , brilliant principal with a delightful sense of humor. I am so sorry. My prayers will be with Toni and the boys.
Dr. Gray was my elementary school teacher and I remember him fondly. He was always so kind and welcoming. I’m 38 now and still remember his presence. Thank you for being a servant leader and a light to those who knew you. Prayers to his family and friends
I am so sorry to see this announcement. I tho very highly of Dr. Gray.
Dr. Gray hired me as CNP Manager at Huntington Place Elementary in 1993. I enjoyed working with him until he left .
At that time there was all female employees in the school. One afternoon Dr. Gray came to my office and said he just needed a break from his office he said it is tough when each lady empt has PMS on a different day! I will never forget that.
He ran a great school. The students respected him and us as well.
I always had a lot of respect for Dr. Gray.
Enjoyed serving with COL Gray in Al National Guard in Tuscaloosa.David was a fine man and a friend.Bert Hedrick
So sorry— words are inadequate right now. Sending love to you and the boys and praying for your peace
Toni and family you have my heart felt condolences for your loss of your precious husband and father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and many Hugs
Marian McCool
I enjoyed working with Dr. Gray in the College of Education at the University of South Alabama. We would have interesting conversations and he was also very funny. He was always very kind and personable. I am so very sad to hear he had cancer and passed away, Prayers for all the family,
I worked with David for many years at South. He was a delight to know and a wonderful colleague. He was always ready to help students and faculty. He had an easy-going manner and was a wonderful man. I know he will be missed. My thought go out to his family.
David was a respected colleague at USA. I am sad to hear of his illness and passing. Our sincere condolences to Toni and the family.
Sorry to hear the news of David’s passing. He is not suffering anymore and is with our lord and savior. He was a kind soul and will be missed.
I’m sorry to hear of David’s passing. David was a great colleague and I enjoyed talking with him. I believe he served on a couple of my students’ dissertation committees as well. Extending heartfelt sympathies to his family
We are so sad that Uncle David is no longer with us. He was a great man who loved his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
I am his dental hygienist. I looked forward to seeing Mr. Grey every time he was on my schedule. He was one of my very favorite patients. I am so sad to hear about his passing. He always had kind words and I will truly miss seeing him. He was one of a kind.