Michael Edward Gray Sr.

Michael Edward Gray Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee. A longtime resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, Michael was born on December 31, 1940, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was one of four children born to Edward and Margie Tanner Gray and was raised alongside his three sisters, Patty, Kathy, and Annette.

Michael was a graduate of Little Rock Catholic High School, Class of 1958. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Before beginning his career in federal service, Michael shared his love of history and education as a history teacher at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Michael then spent 27 years of his professional life serving the federal government as an employee of the Social Security Administration. He was a dedicated public servant who took great pride in his work and in serving others.

Michael remained deeply connected to Catholic High throughout his life. He served as a proud board member, a role he considered one of the greatest honors of his life. His commitment to Catholic High’s mission reflected his enduring faith and dedication to helping shape the lives of young people.

For 59 years, Michael was the devoted husband of Carolyn Whiley Gray. Together, they built a loving family with their sons sharing a life centered around faith, family, and community.

Michael was a longtime parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, where his Catholic faith was an important and lasting part of his life. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of education and history, his commitment to Catholic High, and his dedication to serving others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Whiley Gray of Germantown, Tennessee; his sons, Michael Edward Gray II and his wife, Lucy, of Johns Creek, Georgia, and Philip Whiley Gray and his wife, Gail, of Germantown, Tennessee; his sisters, Patty Guanella and her husband, Tom, Kathy Holder and her husband, Lee, and Annette Marvin and her husband, Tad; his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pops", Allison Grace Gray, Tanner Anderson Gray, William Whiley Gray, Henry Thomas Gray, and Mary Elizabeth Gray, and many nieces and nephews whom he adored and loved.

He also leaves behind a large and cherished circle of friends and extended family throughout Little Rock and the surrounding community. These relationships were an important part of Michael’s life and a testament to the lasting friendships and connections he made wherever he went.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margie Tanner Gray, and his beloved grandson, James Michael Gray.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 5:00–6:30 PM at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock, Ar.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 801 Sherman St., Little Rock, AR. A graveside service and reception will follow at the Celebration of Life Center at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander, Ar. Family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic High School or the American Heart Association.