James Gary Gray

May 17, 1946 - March 27, 2025

James Gary Gray passed on March 27, 2025 in Salem, Virginia. Gary was born on May 17, 1946 to O. Wayne Gray and Neta DeWitt Gray, in Roanoke, Virginia, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife Jean Garmer Gray.

Gary was a graduate of Floyd County High School and Roanoke Technical College. He served in the Army Reserves as a Mess Seargent. He was a friend to many through his various interests. Gary was a lifetime member of the Bent Mountain Fire Department and the first junior member of the department. He was an amateur radio HAM for many years and made friends across the coast attending hamfests and talking over the radio. Gary was also a long time member of the SCV, Stuart’s Horse Artillery, and the 2^nd Virginia Cavalry and enjoyed learning about history and traveling to events. Gary was a member of Lakeland Masonic Lodge and the Kazim Shrine Temple, where he was a member of the Kazim Band, Tavernkeepers, and the Roadrunners where he helped transport kids to the Shriner’s hospitals in Greenville, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed working on the farm, woodworking, and spending time with friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Faye Gray and his children, Katie Gray and Zac Gray (Allison) and a step-daughter, Veronica Goad (Josh). Left to cherish his memory are many friends and neighbors. We would also like to thank his special friends, the nurses and staff on 6E at Lewis Gale, who helped make his final days easier.

The family will receive friends and family to visitation at Gardner Funeral Home on Friday April 4, 2025 from 2-4 and 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 at 10 am, with interment to follow at Restvale Cemetery in Copper Hill. Laura Howell will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bent Mountain Fire Department or the Shriners Hospitals for children. 

So sorry to hear about your daddy‘s passing, I know he was a good man because he certainly raised a fine son. And I’m sure your sister follows suit. Also, he seemed as if he was a giving man by being involved in so many altruistic organizations. I know that you all as a family along with the community will miss him dearly.❤️ Kay Moulton-Sheehy & Tom Sheehy

Good.friendship may J G Gray RIP . Brother. Mason.

So sorry! Just found out.

IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND A BETTER PERSON. I BECAME HIS NEIGHBOR 48 YEARS AGO, GARY WAS ALWAYS THERE WHEN I NEEDED HELP. OVER THE YEARS WE DID MANY THINGS TOGETHER. REST IN PEACE, YOU EARNED IT

We hope that memories of Grasshopper will bless you in these days. He will be long remembered at Kazim for the many contributions he made to Shriners and the children we support.

We hope that memories of Grasshopper will bless you in these days. He will be long remembered at Kazim for the many contributions he made to Shriners and the children we support.

My condolences to Gary's wife and children. Our friendship began in the mid 60s and RTI. We were ushers in each. Iother's weddings in the early 70s. Rest in peace my friend.

Sorry, Grasshoper is in a better place anything I can help with please let me know James

I will miss Mr. Gray.

I worked with Gary at APCO !!! What a wonderful person and great friend!!! He was such a great pleasure to know him and count him as a close friend. My prayers go out to his family.

All of us at Tropical Seas Hotel send our condolences for your loss. He meant the world to us and me. It was an honor and pleasure to work and get to know Grasshopper for all the years Kazim stayed with us in Myrtle Beach. He will be forever missed. Robin & Staff.

Faye, we are so sorry to hear of Grasshoppers passing. We will cherish the fun filled trips we all made with the Kazim Shriners and laughs we shared at Glen's expense during bartender and hospitality days. We don't always understand the reasons for why things occur but can take comfort in knowing the he is no longer in pain. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. Love Keith and Debbie. Aka Bigun

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a classmate at Floyd County High in 1964. He was a very nice guy then. By reading his condolences, he had lived a great life and contributed much to his family, friends, and community.

Prayers for the family. So sorry for your loss.

All the Kazim Band members and their wives loved "Grasshopper." He would help any of us when we needed it. Praying he's resting in the arms of Jesus now. With my love to the family, Diane Leach

Katie my heart goes out to you on the loss of your Daddy. May God be with you.

Gary gave me a ton of help in my time as Commander of the Stuart Horse Artillery Camp of the SCV. I will not forget the association we had. God Bless his entire family.

Katie, I am so very sorry to hear your Daddy has passed. He was one of the kindest men I've ever known and he was such a comfort to me when my Daddy passed. I know there are no words that will ease your pain, but I unfortunately know how hard this is, and will continue to be. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing just how much he loved you and that he's now reunited with your mom and the friends he has lost along the way. If there's anything at all you need, even if just an ear or a shoulder, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. My thoughts and love are with you and Zac.

Gary was one of a kind. His interests ranged from modern computers to Civil War cannons, and many things in between. He was always available for a helping hand to all his neighbors (everyone he met was a neighbor!), and he will be mightily missed and well- remembered. RIP Gary!

Gary was such a friendly man. I will miss his visits to the Pulaski office to service our printer. We always had nice conversations. Sending my condolences to the family during your time of grief . K. Matthews

So sorry to learn of Gary's passing. We were classmates at FCHS Class of "64. Many prayers for his family and friends.