Jimmy Clark Gray was born August 11, 1944 in Birmingham, AL. He died December 28, 2019 in Huntsville, AL. He lived most of his childhood, however, in Castleberry, AL. He attended Troy State College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He later earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He worked at Boeing, CSC, NTA, and other companies in the area of aerospace engineering until his gradual retirement about 2016. He contributed to the control ring on the Saturn V rocket and spent many years working with the missile command via contractors to help develop weapon systems to defend our country.
He was a great reader of books, enjoying many genres including science-related material, history, political theory and commentary, and many classics. His favorite author was Charles Dickens. His hobbies included playing tennis and cycling, and playing with his granddaughters Carter and Tessa.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Gray, son Clark Gray (Kelli) and granddaughters Carter and Tessa. He is also survived by a niece, Vicki Clark (Louis), a brother-in-law Thomas Weaver, a sister-in-law Karen Kirby (Paul), a nephew Travis Bender (Krista), and step-sisters Carlie Carter and Etta Mae Kirksey. He is preceded in death by his mother Lossie Palmer, his father Allie Gray, two sisters, Betty Weaver and Lois Benefield, and a brother, Bobby Gray.
He was a member of Chase Park Church of Christ, and was also a member at its previous location at Memorial Parkway. He accepted Christ and was baptized in 2001 and has been a faithful Christian since that time, looking forward to a home in heaven.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow in the chapel with John Denney officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
