MURFREESBORO – Jimmy Richard Gray, Sr., age 75, died on August 25, 2015 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA.

Mr. Gray was born in HertfordCounty on February 2, 1940, a son of the late Richard Eddie and Nellie Warren Gray.  He was a graduate of Murfreesboro High School and a longtime member of Murfreesboro Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, worked with the Sunday School Department and was on the Teller Committee for as long as his health permitted.  Jimmy was also a former member of the Murfreesboro Exchange Club, a longtime volunteer for the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum and was chairman of the Roanoke Chowan Pork Fest for several years. Mr. Gray was interviewed by The Carolina Traveler magazine when they came to do a feature article on the Jefcoat Museum.

After retiring, with 42 years of service from Union Camp Corporation in Franklin, VA, in April, 2000, Jimmy enjoyed going to Lake Gaston, fishing and jet skiing, with his friends, Larry and Earlene. He was an excellent gardener, especially enjoying growing and tending to his rose garden.  Jimmy was a big sports fan and avid supporter of Chowan University athletics and a devoted Redskins fan.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 54 years, Lynn Whitley Gray; his daughter, Dicksie G.  McLean and husband, Daren of Lillington, NC; his son, Jimmy Richard Gray Jr. and his wife, Beth of Oxford, NC; and a granddaughter, Ashton Lynn McLean of Lillington, NC. Also surviving is a brother, Glenn Gray and wife, Diane of Murfreesboro, NC; a niece, Heidi Gray of Wilmington, NC; a nephew, Scott Gray of Murfreesboro, NC; and a great nephew, Matthew Gray of Murfreesboro, NC.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett Sykes Memorial Chapel Murfreesboro, NC and other times at the home.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 11:00 am, at the Murfreesboro Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, NC, with Rev. Lee Canipe officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Murfreesboro Baptist Church, 200 West Main Street, Murfreesboro, NC, 27855; or to Chowan University Athletic Department, 1 University Drive, Murfreesboro, NC, 27855.

Garrett Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC is handling the arrangements for the Gray, family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.