John Loy Gray, Sr.

Gaffney, SC - - John Loy Gray, Sr, beloved husband of the late Joan Gray passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024. Mr. Gray was born February 5, 1932 to the late James Perry and Annie Hartsell Gray of Statesville, NC. He was the youngest and last surviving of 6 children.

He graduated from Statesville High School where he excelled and lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. He was co-captain and quarterback of the football team, captain of the basketball team. He played in the 1950 NC/SC Shrine Bowl. He was president of freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes.

Voted by his classmates as the most popular and best looking and best all around.

After graduating from high school, he attended Davidson College on a full football scholarship and played quarterback. While at Davidson he won the Tommy Peters Award, Davidson's highest athletic honor. He led a losing football team into one of the most dangerous team in the southern conference. After graduating from Davidson, he enlisted in the US Army.  Lt. Gray was a member of the baseball team while stationed in Germany and played on the European championship team, US Army Europe.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Gray was recruited by Milliken where he worked his way up to Plant Manager of The Big Mill where many Gaffney residents worked for him. He retired as Director of Manufacturing.

Mr. Gray and his wife were faithful and dedicated members of Limestone Presbyterian Church where he taught the Men's Sunday School Class. He also served as a Deacon and Elder.

Mr. Gray loved playing the game of golf, watching all sports and enjoying time with his family. He was a founding member of Cherokee National Golf Club where he taught his son, Jim to also love the game.

Left to cherish his loving memory are his sons John Jr. and Jim Gray, daughter Leslie Gray Wyatt, granddaughter Jennifer Gray Knox (Joe) and grandson John Riley Gray and great grandchildren Joe, Julie, Jack, Addison and Kayton, and his special friend, Mary Sellers and her family. He was predeceased by his parents, beloved wife, daughter, LeAnne, son-in-law, Steve Wyatt, brothers James P Gray, Jr, Boyd Gray and Robin Gray, and sisters Ruth Alexander and Annie Laurie Walsh.

Daddy loved our Lord and was a loving, compassionate and generous Father who loved his family and friends.

A private Memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Limestone Presbyterian Church Chapel November 13 at 2:00.  The family will be at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC