Basil L. Gray, Sr., born October 6, 1925 joined his best friend in heaven (his father) on May 31, 2018. Dad was born in Kansas City, MO and was adopted by James and Mary Gray and grew up in Cairo, IL. While a youngster, his family moved to Elberton, GA and opened a restaurant, Gray’s Café. When dad was 14, his father died in an automobile accident. It was in Elberton, that Dad met the apple of his eye, the love of his life, Joanne Hedquist. Dad went to Elbert County High School and played football for the Blue Devils. When WWII broke out, Dad joined the Navy on Oct. 26, 1942. While in the Navy, Dad returned to Elberton on leave, and he and Mom, drove to Anderson, SC and got married on Oct. 9, 1944. Upon discharge, he returned to Elberton to work in his father-in-law’s granite quarry, Hedquist Pink Granite. In 1953, Dad decided to move his family to Jacksonville and bought an Amoco gas station on 2nd and Main with his brother and father-in-laws. Dad remained in the car care business until his retirement. Dad loved God, his family, and his country.
Dad was predeceased in death by his mother and father, brother Jimmy, and grandson Jason. He leaves to live in his memory, his wife of 73 years, Joanne, daughters Judy (Arlo) Hill, Frances (Richard) Gupton and Buddy (Jan) Gray, along with 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dad’s caregivers the last two years; Mae McCoy, Yolanda Armstrong, Michelle Abner, Brittany Chatman and Jeanette Jordan. Dad, you’ll always be our Hero.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Mr. Gray’s Life beginning at 11:00 AM at the Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel followed by a reception.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family
