Robert (Bob) Eugene Gray, 84, of Daphne, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bob was born on January 4, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to James Talmadge and Marian Cardinale Gray. He graduated from Catholic High School in Memphis, TN, before earning his degree from the University of Tennessee. His MBA Degree was from the University of Memphis.

Following college, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and completed U.S. Naval School Pre-Flight training in Pensacola, Florida, beginning a distinguished military career as an Intelligence Officer that culminated in his retirement as Commander in the United States Navy.

After settling on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Bob began a second career in hospitality as Manager of Catering for Bayley’s Seafood Restaurant. His talent for showcasing Gulf Coast cuisine took him across the country, catering numerous Bass Pro and Ducks Unlimited events. Bayley’s was also selected to cater the Danny Thomas Golf Tournament in Memphis, TN, supporting the founder’s dream of what would become St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bob later joined All Seasons Restaurant as Catering Manager, where his reputation continued to grow. He catered many notable events, including the Miss USA Pageant in Mobile, Alabama; catering the cast and crew during the filming of the movie “Friday the 13th” Part Vl at Byrnes Lake in Stockton, AL; and for the Mobile, AL premiere of the movie “Forrest Gump”. Bob was also chosen to cater for the Commissioning and Christening of the USS Boxer (LHD4) in Pascagoula, Mississippi; as well as Alabama’s participation in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California; and for the annual Congressional showcase in Washington, D.C., where Congressman Sonny Callahan regularly selected Bob to represent Alabama with his signature Gulf Coast seafood menu.

Bob’s final career was with the United States Postal Service, where he worked at the Mobile Main Post Office until his retirement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob found his greatest happiness on the water, helping his young children enjoy all of Mobile Bay’s historic lighthouses, his love of fishing and the appealing beach life. He loved fishing from the Fairhope Pier and cruising Mobile Bay aboard his prized Stauter boat, also ensuring all his grandchildren would learn to love fishing and the Gulf Coast’s appeal. Later in life he began a new interest, joining some of his friends in the Daphne Bocce Club, playing at Lott Park in Daphne, Alabama. Early on, Bob discovered Mobile’s Mardi Gras fame, and he became a longtime member of the Mystics of Time Mardi Gras society. His later years were spent at the W. F. Green State Veterans Home, where he made many new friends and enjoyed spirited games of bingo and poker, as well as all the other activities.

Above all, Bob cherished the life he built with his beloved wife of 60 years, Joanne (Joan) Gray. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family, sharing the hobbies he loved, and creating lasting memories with his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joanne (Joan) Gray; his daughter, Regan Meadows (Scott) Naro-Norman of Daphne, Alabama; his son, Michael Gray (Delaine Gray) of Loganville, Georgia; his grandchildren, Payden Meadows, Molly Meadows, Chase Gray, and Shepard Gray; and his step-grandchildren, Stella Naro-Norman and Luke Naro-Norman; his cousins, nieces and nephews; his devoted friend, David Arnold; and his love of all the dogs in his life, especially Boudreaux, as well as all his many grand-dogs! He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James Perry (Jim) Gray, and his sister, Patricia (Pat) Cohen.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This will be a time of visitation with family and friends from 5-7PM at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL. On Friday, July 31, 2026, Holy Mass will be at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1505 Main Street in Daphne, Alabama, at 11AM, followed by burial at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama, at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to WF Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette, Alabama, in support of all his fellow Veterans.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are profoundly grateful for the years we shared with Bob. His kindness, quiet strength, gentle humor, and unwavering love will continue to guide and inspire us. Though he is no longer by our side, his legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.

Hughes Funeral Home, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family. Expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com.