Larry Virgil Gray

Larry Gray, 78, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021at his home in Cleveland, TN.  He was a laid-back, easy-going man, who never spoke words in anger as to hurt anyone.  He worked with his son in the Gold and Silver Exchange Shop in Cleveland.  He retired from Olin after 34 years of service and was loved and well respected by all who worked with him.  He was always donating money to people in need all over Bradley County for food, gas, and many needs for many who came into the shop.  He always made sure to give freely without making a person feel badly about it.  He also was greatly involved in Wednesday Night Kids at Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. 

Larry was an avid walker at Tinsley Park and later at the YMCA grounds.  He and his wife were well recognized by the grounds keepers at YMCA.  Larry enjoyed fishing, gardening, working puzzles, and working in the shop.  His greatest joy, however, came from times spent with his family.  After the illness and passing of a dear friend, he and his wife, Sandra helped to raise Kai’Lee, homeschooling her from pre-school through high school.   She was a joy to and still a great part of the lives of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Kate Gray, brothers, Ronald, Phil and David Gray, his beloved daughter-in-law, Whitney Gray, and precious baby grandson, Christopher Gray.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra Dixon Gray of Cleveland; son, Dr. Michael Gray of Mission, TX; son, Jason Gray of Cleveland; grandsons Evan and Ian Gray, and grandchildren by choice, Blayton Womac, Tayla Wattson, and Kai’Lee Womac; brother, William “Bill” Gray of Cleveland; and sister, Beverly Gray Chapman (Forest) of Cleveland.

A Celebration of Life  of his life will be held Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Wallin officiating.  Interment will follow at Michigan Avenue Cemetery with Billy Swallows, Stacy Gray, Travis Freeman, Jarrell Stephney, Jeff Howell, Ross Wooten, and Vic Wooten serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 28 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Gray family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.