Mr. Calvin Leonard Gray, 68, of 1902 Ora Drive, passed away at Iredell Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. He was born in Iredell County on June 10, 1946, and was the son of the late Grace Lee Gray and Bessie Alberta Tuck Gray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Kirk Douglas Gray, James “Whimp” Gray, Michael Gray, Jerry W. Gray, Charles A. Gray and John Gray and three sisters, Catherine “Kitty” Nesbitt, Gracie A. Gray and Joan “Pluckie” Barber.
He attended Morningside High School and Bethel Congregational Church. He served with the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was a Sharpshooter. While in the Army, he took courses and was an Executive Chef.
Survivors include four sisters-in-law, Beryl Gray, Cynthia Gray, Barbara Gray and Retha Lene Gray, all of Statesville; a special cousin, Betty Byers of Statesville; and a host of nephews and nieces including two nephews who were care givers, Robert L. (Jocelyn) Barber, Jr. and Bobby "B. J." Holmes, both of Statesville.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home at 12:30 p.m. Rev. James Williams will officiate and burial will follow in the National Cemetery in Salisbury with Military Rites.
Members of the family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 until 12:30 p.m.