Gray, James Gary

James Gary Gray passed on March 27, 2025 in Salem, Virginia. Gary was born on May 17, 1946 to O. Wayne Gray and Neta DeWitt Gray, in Roanoke, Virginia, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife Jean Garmer Gray.

Gary was a graduate of Floyd County High School and Roanoke Technical College. He served in the Army Reserves as a Mess Seargent. He was a friend to many through his various interests. Gary was a lifetime member of the Bent Mountain Fire Department and the first junior member of the department. He was an amateur radio HAM for many years and made friends across the coast attending hamfests and talking over the radio. Gary was also a long time member of the SCV, Stuart’s Horse Artillery, and the 2nd Virginia Cavalry and enjoyed learning about history and traveling to events. Gary was a member of Lakeland Masonic Lodge and the Kazim Shrine Temple, where he was a member of the Kazim Band, Tavernkeepers, and the Roadrunners where he helped transport kids to the Shriner’s hospitals in Greenville, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed working on the farm, woodworking, and spending time with friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Faye Gray and his children, Katie Gray and Zac Gray (Allison) and a step-daughter, Veronica Goad (Josh). Left to cherish his memory are many friends and neighbors. We would also like to thank his special friends, the nurses and staff on 6E at Lewis Gale, who helped make his final days easier.

The family will receive friends and family to visitation at Gardner Funeral Home on Friday afternoon from 2-4 and 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 am, with interment to follow at Restvale Cemetery in Copper Hill. Laura Howell will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bent Mountain Fire Department or the Shriners Hospitals for children.