Barbourville, Ky. – Calvin Gray, age 86, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020, after battling a years long illness. Calvin was raised in Knox County. He was the son of the late Martha Baker Gray and Nelson Gray happily born to them on March 18, 1933 in Stinking Creek, Ky.
During his youth, Calvin left home to join the Army. He became a Corporal in the Infantry Armed Forces of the United States of America and received an Honorable Discharge on March 11, 1961. Calvin loved his country. He often said, “I live in the greatest country on earth”. After his Honorable Discharge, Calvin lived for a period of time in both Ohio and Michigan where he worked in the trucking and autobmobile industries. Eventually, Calvin was able to return home to his beloved community of Knox County. Once home, Calvin worked 40 years in the coal business in Knox and Bell Counties, making many wonderful life long friends along the way. Interestingly, Calvin also ran a clothing business in Knox County until the time of his illness. When he wasn’t working, Calvin enjoyed gardening, traveling, and politics. Later in life, Calvin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and become a believer of the Baptist Faith.
Calvin is survived by his devoted wife Patty Blair Gray of Barbourville and four beloved children: daughters LaTrescia Goss of Jackson County, Ky. and daughter Kim Gambrell (David) of Pineville, Ky.; sons Calvin M. Gray of Pineville, Ky. and Toby Gray (Nancy) of Barbourville. He is also survived by four siblings: Lovella (Dobie) Smith, Ann Bain, E. J. Gray (Florene) all of Knox County and N.P. Jackson (Vicki) of Ohio. Ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, as well as, many special nieces, nephews, cherished friends and neighbors are also left to mourn Calvin’s passing and will miss him dearly.
In addition to his parents, Calvin was preceded in death by a daughter, Greta Gray; a sister Reolla Hinkle and a brother Henry Gray.
Funeral Services for Mr. Gray will be held at the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 15th, 2020 at 2:00 PM with the Reverend William “Mann” Cobb officiating. Pallbearers are Kenneth Gray, Donnie Blair, Jeffrey Potter, Chris Smith, Gary Smith, and Chris Epperson. Visiting hours for Calvin Gray will begin at 12:00 Noon on the day of the funeral service, Saturday February 15th, until the funeral hour at 2:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Gilbert Cemetery in Girdler, Ky.
The Hopper Family and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home express our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Calvin Gray.
