Ralph Randle Gray, Jr., 88, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, at his home. He was born on July 22, 1935, in Monroe County to Ralph Randle, Sr. and Ethel Sugg Gray. Randle was a 1953 graduate of Hatley High School where he excelled in basketball. After graduation, he attended Freed-Hardeman College for one year and he was married to the former Joyce Reich in 1954. He lived on the family farm for 83 years and he began his career for Moffett Bearing in Birmingham. While in Birmingham, he obtained his pilot’s license before moving back to Monroe County in 1960. Randle was a land developer, a row crop farmer, and heavy equipment operator. From 1992-2012 he served as First District Supervisor for Monroe County and he served as board president for many years, known for his consistent and steady leadership. Randle was an excellent student of the bible, and he was a long-time member of Christian Chapel Church of Christ where he had served as a deacon, elder, and song leader. He took great pride in gardening, raising, and giving away vegetables to his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed vacationing to the Gulf Coast and to the Great Smoky Mountains and he was an avid NASCAR and Mississippi State Sports fan.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home with Ministers Bobby Cleveland and Derrick Maranto officiating. Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery.
In addition to his wife of 69 years, Joyce Gray, he is survived by his son, Randy Gray of Hatley; his daughter, Sheila Norton (Greg) of Splunge; two brothers, David Gray and Larry Gray (Judy) both of Hatley; two grandchildren, Kayla Hathcock (Josh) and Yvette McLewain; two great grandchildren, Taylor Powell, and Grayson Fears; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter-in-law, Ann Gray.
Pallbearers will be Josh Hathcock, Steve Young, Earl McDonald, Fulton Ware, Terry Dill, Ken Reich, Grayson Fears, and Taylor Powell.
Special thanks are extended to Lifeline Companions and Gentiva Hospice for the constant and devoted care.
Visitation will be on Monday from noon until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Christian Chapel Church of Christ or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
