Donald Ray Gray Sr., 77, of New Hope, passed away peacefully after a successful battle with lung cancer, after which he rang the bell of remission. Donald was loving husband, father, granddaddy, brother, son, and friend. Donald was a loving, devoted, patient, and compassionate. He loved his job as a foreman at Whitaker Construction and Vulcan Materials where he worked for over 50 years, and was looking forward to returning. He attended Columbia State Community College and UT Martin on a full basketball scholarship. His hobbies included going to the lake, driving his corvette, trips to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, New Hope Basketball games and watching Tennessee basketball and football games. Betty said he was the best husband she ever had.
He was preceded in death by his late wife, Deborah Smith Gray; brother, Jerry Gray; mother, Johnie Gray; aunt, Gladys Roden; grandmother, Edith “Mubbie” Trull and grandfather, John C. Gray
Surviving are wife, Betty Gray; son, Donald (Lindsay) Gray, Jr.; son, Derek (Ashley) Gray; son, Dustin (Teddy) Gray; grandchildren, Kenedey ( Chandler), Kayden, Vandy, Dustin Jr., and Matilda; two great grandchildren, Walker and Waverly; step children and step grandchildren that loved him dearly; sister, Vickie Finerty; host of nieces and nephews; and sister-in-love, Arlita (Eugene) Pennington.
Visitation will be Monday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at New Hope Funeral Home. Services will be held at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel, Tuesday at 1:00 PM with Kevin Dewberry officiating.
Interment will be in Hampton Cove Cemetery.
