Richard Kent Gray

Richard Kent Gray, 73, passed away at his home in Calhoun City on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Born February 4, 1947, in Adamsville, TN, he was the son of the late Joe Harding Gray and the late Loretta Duke Gray. He graduated from Central High School in Savannah, TN in 1964, and furthered his education at Mississippi State University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Industry in 1969. He retired after a long and successful career as an Industrial Engineer at Kellwood Company and Calhoun Apparel. In 1966, he married the former Pat Harvey, and they have spent 54 wonderful years together. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Calhoun City. Richard loved to be outdoors either hunting, fishing, or playing golf. He was a charter member of Pine Hills Country Club in Derma, as well as a charter member of Big Buck Hunting Club. He was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan, and member of the Bulldog Club. But above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, and loved attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He believed that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life. His parents taught him to be accountable, responsible, and respectful of other people, and he greatly wanted his children to learn these principles of life. Richard was loved and highly respected by his community, and his memory will be cherished forever in their hearts.
He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Pat Harvey Gray; daughter, Tracy Gray Park (Johnny) of Pontotoc; sons, Jeff Gray (Paige) of Calhoun City, Joel Gray (Cathy Jo) of Starkville, and Jared Gray (Ashley) of Pontotoc; sister, Joann Gray Jackes (David) of Helena, AL; his grandchildren, Tyler Gray (Jesslyn), Tanner Rimmer (Candace), Joseph Gray, Sarah Victoria Philpot, Jude Gray, Patrick Gray, Ava Gray, and Greta Gray; and his great-grandchildren, Cade Gray and Beau Gray.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Tony and David Gray.
Pryor Funeral Home has the honor in serving the Gray family.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 1:00pm until 2:45pm at Pryor Funeral Home. A Graveside Service celebrating his life will follow on Saturday at 3:00pm at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Calhoun City. Bro. Jeff Harmon will be officiating with interment to follow.
Pallbearers will be his five grandsons and his nephews, Mike and Preston Gray, and David Aldridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.pryorfuneralhome.com