Paul Allen Mr. Gray

Paul Allen Gray, 'Pap,' age 103, died at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC on July 31, 2012. A born hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, and woodsman, Pap knew areas of his native Anson County like the back of his hand: Brown Creek swamp, Gould's Fork, Happy Hunting Grounds, and the Shot House near the Pee Dee River. Fishing from ocean piers in Brunswick County was a favorite activity. Pap's ability to pull stories about his century of adventures from his amazing memory pleased him and astonished listeners. Born November 15, 1908 in rural Anson County to Wilburn Beecher Gray and Jessie Forte Gray, Paul attended schools in the county. During World War II, Paul was a member of the US Army 509th Heavy Maintenance Company Field Artillery stationed in Hawaii and the Philippine Islands. After the war, Pap spent several years as a service station owner and farmer before he began employment with the Anson County Health Department from which he retired. He was the manager and a key producer for many years with the Anson County Farmers Market. Paul's wife of 69 years, Marjorie Reynolds Gray, died in June 2011. He is survived by his sons Paul Allen Gray, Jr. (Wilmington), Beecher Reynolds (Sue) Gray (Durham), and John Duncan Gray (Chapel Hill); his grandchildren, Matthew Justin (Nikiann) Gray (Raleigh), William Patrick Gray (Sanford), and Reynolds Olivia Gray (Raleigh); and a great-grand daughter, Carys Riley Gray (Raleigh). A service to celebrate the life of Paul Gray will be 11:00am Saturday, August 11, 2012, at the First Baptist Church, 309 Lee Avenue, Wadesboro, NC. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorial gifts to the Marjorie Reynolds Gray nursing scholarship can be made to the UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing, CB 7460, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7460.