Louis Russel Gray

GRAY Louis Russel, 91, of Jacksonville, Fla., went home to be with the Lord, February 23, 2026. Born May 17, 1934, in Dott, West Virginia, Louis is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 55 years, Bernice May Stover Gray, who passed into Heaven in 2010; daughter Sandra Gray Roberts and husband Steve; granddaughter Brooke Johnson; parents, Yates Kelby Gray and Elsie Love Sigmon Gray; brothers and sisters – Roy, Emily, Jim, Bill, Maude, Johnny and Gladys.

Louis is survived by daughters Linda Tittle (Ronnie) and Tina Johnson (Vernon); brother Yates, sisters Madeline, Patsy and Karen.

Louis leaves behind a wonderful legacy of nine grandchildren: James, Nicola, Melissa (Scott), Matt (Amy), Michael (Jessie), Breanna, Vernon III, Lisa and Angela; nine great-grandchildren: Ben, Emma, Cole, Kylie (Ty), Jack, Shelby, Cameron, Levi and Kinley; along with a large extended family.

Louis was a United States Marine – once a Marine always a Marine – always faithful. He served our nation faithfully and honorably from 18 May 1951 to 17 May 1954. He was deployed for more than a year during the Korean War, serving near the northern border between South and North Korea.

Louis was a devoted and loving Husband, Dad, Pawpaw, Papa, Pop and Grandpa. He loved his family and enjoyed everyone gathering at his house.

Louis was always consulted on how to fix things – whether mechanically or working on the house. He could fix anything. He helped countless people with their vehicles, including working in his garage that he valued much. He personally restored a 1940 Chevrolet Sedan and 1950 Chevy pick-up and enjoyed showing it to others.

Louis was a lifelong mechanic and retired at age 58 from the United Parcel Service where he maintained their diesel trucks, working alongside many dear friends. After retirement, he continued his mechanical work by helping so many in his community.

Louis believed in and trusted his life to Jesus Christ. Just before his departure he raised his arms and said he was going to Heaven. He is now celebrating his eternal peace with God in the presence of his family and friends who have gone before him. We will miss you Pop. We will carry on – remaining faithful.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, March 9, at Kernan Blvd. Baptist Church, 4000 Kernan Blvd. South, Jacksonville, with Pastor Andrew Wilkes officiating. Visitation is at 10-11a.m. and the service is at 11a.m. Interment will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Fla., at 2:30p.m. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville.