Obituary of Harry James Gray Jr.

Harry James Gray, Jr. was born on February 7, 1934, to Harry James Gray, Sr. and Wilma Leslie Long Gray of Detroit, Michigan.  Harry was the eldest of seven children: Dawn Marie Williams, Lela H. Casey, Timothy Sheldon Gray, Colin Anthony Gray, Samuel Simpson Gray, and Lester C. Long Jr.  A man of many nicknames, Harry was “Junior” to his family, “Jimmy” to his friends, “Papa” to his grandchildren, and “Big Papa” to his great-grandchildren.

Harry attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1946.  He joined the United States Air Force on April 7, 1952, and was honorably discharged on April 30, 1972. During his service, he spent time in Korea, France, Germany, the Middle East, and host of other countries.

In 1954, Harry married Elizabeth Dolores (Warner) Gray.  Harry and Elizabeth had four children: Keith Gray, Dr. Cheryl Vanessa Gray, Bridgette Chequeta (Gray) White, and Michele (Gray) Webb.

After serving his country, Harry took an interest in technology and education. In 1973, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Park College in Parkville, MO and in 1976 he obtained a Master of Arts degree from Webster College in St. Louis, MO. He worked for Southwestern Bell until 1982, when he transferred to AT&T in Basking Ridge, NJ. Harry always stressed the importance of education. After retiring from AT&T, Harry started teaching Chemistry at Science High in Newark, NJ.

Harry was a faithful man who was active in his church, First United Methodist Church, in Dover, NJ for many years. Harry loved his family and was very vocal about the importance of legacy; he spoke often about his descendants being “the seeds” at family reunions over the years. He had a uniquely pragmatic view of the world and often made people laugh with his brusque observations.

Harry James Gray, Jr. departed this life on March 27, 2023.  His wife, Elizabeth Dolores Gray; son, Keith Gray; grandson, CPL. David L. Webb, Jr.; parents, Harry J. Gray, Sr. and Wilma Leslie Gray Long; and siblings Dawn Marie Williams, Colin Anthony Gray, Samuel Simpson Gray, and Lester C. Long, Jr. preceded him in death.

Harry leaves to mourn his death and cherish his loving memory: three daughters, Dr. Cheryl V. Gray, Bridgette White, Michele and David Webb Sr; six grandchildren Aaron Matthew White, Darnell James Webb, Ashley Elizabeth White, Andrea Michele and Sean Titus, Chance Christian Gray, and Kalin Dylan Gray; and five beautiful great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 9AM to 11AM at Tuttle Funeral Home (www.Tuttlefh.com) in Randolph. The Funeral Service will follow at 11AM, also at the Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Locust Hill Cemetery in Dover.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

The end of the visitaion and the service will be available through livestream. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83332889801