Mr. James L. Gray

In Loving Memory Of James L. Gray transitioned on January 13, 2024, after a brief illness. James was the beloved son of the late Lonnie and Mellie Rose Gray, Also, preceding him in death were his stepmother, affectionately called “Ma” Millie Gray; son, Antonio “Tony” Gerome Gray; brothers. William E. Gray, Willie B. Gray, Wayne “George” Gray, Sammie L. Gray, Daniel Gray; sisters, Alfonsa Lewis, Vernice Rufus, Marjorie Hurt, Mary Wilks, Georgia Polk; brother-in-law, Dan Hurt. sister-in-law, Barbara Gray; nephews, Joel Rufus, Marvin Polk, Chester McFadden and Dwayne Hurt; niece, Doris Beasley; special kinship, James Rufus, Wendel “Tony” Harding, Barney Browner Sr., Israel Browner and Isaiah Brown. James L. Gray, was born in Haywood County, Tennessee. After completing his formal education in Madison County, Tennessee School District, James moved to Chicago to find employment at Republic Food Product Company, where he worked for almost two years until he was drafted in the United States Marine Corps. James served in the Marines for eight years, two years in active duty and six years in reserves and was honorably discharged. James then moved to Detroit, MI. Upon moving to Detroit, James met and married Carolyn Browner. And to this union, two children were born (Tony and Tonya). While in Detroit, James co-owned and operated the Tapawingo Club, on Tireman Ave., in Detroit, for over eight years. It was a fun and rewarding venture. He was also, gainfully employed at Awrey’s Bakery as a truck driver for over 14 years. Many family members fondly remember, James bringing them pies, cakes and cookies. James also, had fond memories of driving across the country and being able to visit many different places in his life. After leaving Awrey Bakery, James was employed as a truck driver for Amaco Heating & Cooling Company, for seven years. In 1980, James again decided to become a business owner, and for 6 years he successfully owned and operated the Glory Maid Service, where he contracted employees to provide cleaning services for local office buildings. James’ last employment was as a driver, for Robinson Transportation Service. James was employed there for 15 years, until he retired in 2002. James was the ultimate family man! He enjoyed going to family reunions (James only missed one family reunion in 34 years!), traveling and visiting family, and having cookouts. James was known as the “grill master!” Grilling some of the best barbeque around. James was devoted to attending ALL family functions whether for fun, celebration, or grief, he rarely missed an event. James was often the crowd pleaser, finding jokes, quirky or funny sayings to keep people laughing or talking about something. The party wouldn’t really get started until he arrived. James (Jim), was everybody’s “Uncle Jimmy!” Family and friends often joked, that James’ twin was the TV character, Fred Sanford, from the television show “Sanford and Son.” James also was a sports enthusiast! Whether, going to the games or watching the games on TV, he had to be there! His personal favorite pastimes were going to outdoor concerts with his daughter Tonya (James particularly enjoyed ‘blues” concerts), attending church, and spending quality time with the apple of his eye and the only person that could make his heart melt, his granddaughter “Corri.” James was the patriarch of his family and he acted in the role of a “surrogate father ,” to many of his nieces and nephews. James devoted his life to helping his family, and being a caregiver himself, for his younger brother Sam, until his departure. James loved and supported his entire family, in any and every way possible. He always showed up for his family!

Mr. James L. Gray

May 6, 1930 - January 13, 2024