Gary Roger Gray

Gary Roger Gray, beloved son of the late Percy Lewis Gray and Lucille Muse Fortune was born on June 1st, 1947 in Camden, New Jersey. At an early age the family moved to Tappahannock, Virginia where he attended and graduated from Essex County Public Schools class of 1965. On July 27th, 1972, Gary Mario Gray (Asar) was born to Gary and Gloria (Redman) Gray. He brought endless joy to his father’s life, and as he grew from childhood to manhood he had so many major accomplishments and events that made his father so proud. On December 3rd, 1988, Roger married the love of his life Ms. Wilma Jean Johnson and was blessed with 27 wonderful years of marriage and endless joy. In his early years, Gary worked diligently for several companies in Essex County to include; Taylor Family’s Sawmill, Camco Brake Shop, Washington Gas and Light Company, as well as being a substitute teacher in the Essex County School system. Feeling a lack of gratification, Gary felt the need to broaden his horizon and made the decision to join the United States Army; serving honorably from 1967 to 1969. After fulfilling his military commitment as a member of the 1st Calvary Infantry Division, Gary became gainfully employed by the United Parcel Service while attending classes at the University of the District of Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree, and furthered his education by graduating with his Master in Education from the National-Louis University. Gary began his teaching career in the District of Columbia Public School System as a science teacher. He later served in the position of school administrator at the Elementary and Senior High School levels, concluding his career at Cardozo Senior High School in 2007. Gary had a love for golfing, bowling and gardening and he possessed a sincere love for nurturing children especially the students of Cardozo Senior High School. The students of this school are so very appreciative of Mr. Gray’s life-long lessons that they continue to reminiscence about them and the impact he made in their lives. He enjoyed engaging in challenging topics of discussions, touching the hearts and minds of so many and spreading knowledge and wisdom to those willing to listen. Gary enjoyed time with fellow Veteran’s and was very active when it came to his group at the VA. Gary leaves to carry on his legacy; his loving and devoted wife W. Jean, and his only child, Gary Mario Gray (Asar) of Hampton, VA. His mother Lucille Muse Fortune of Tappahannock, VA; five sisters Theresa Gaines (James) of Cheverly, MD, Claudia Gray of Tappahannock, VA, Pamela Sheppard of Camden, NJ, Ramatha Polite (Ed) and Patricia Davis (Earl) both of Sicklerville, NJ. One brother Barry Johnson (Toris) of North Ridgeville, OH; three grandchildren Brianna and Milani Gray of Milford, Connecticut, Taedon Gray of Tuscon, Arizona, fourteen nieces and nephews; Donovan Gray of Philadelphia, Pa, Wanda Smith (Jeffrey) and Wendy Rock of Fredericksburg, VA., Walter Rock of Bowling Green, VA., and Jordan Johnson of Fairview, OH and Jason Gaines of Atlanta, GA. Nikeitha Banguera, Farid and Aaron Gray, Erial, Olivia and Jean –Pierre Polite, Jeanine Mosley, and Destin Davis two Aunts; Barbara Nelson and Jane Roane of Paulsbora, NJ. and a host of grand nieces and nephews cousins; Nikeitha, Farid, Aaron, Erial, Jeanine, Olivia, and Destin, and many friend and associates.

Tributes

Gary Roger Gray

June 1, 1947 - July 10, 2016