James William Gray
March 27, 1931 ~ May 14, 2000
Resided in:
Arlington, VA
A native of Hayesville, NC, he was a son of the late Oris Kermit Gray and Elvita Penland Setzer. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Greta Kay Gray.
He received his B.S. degree from Western Carolina University. He then served in the US Air Force for ten years attaining the rank of Captain while serving in the Strategic Air Command. While in the Air Force he attended Stanford University and earned his Masters degree.
After leaving the Air Force he became the Head of Computer Control Systems at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX during preparations for the GEMINI and APOLLO missions.
In Washington, DC he was, in succession, Director, Department of Labor Computer Center, Chief of Computer Department of Interior Computer Center, and Director , White House Administrative Computer Center. He was nominated for the Arthur Fleming award as one of the ten outstanding young managers in federal government.
He retired from the government in 1984 and served as a consultant until his complete retirement in 1990. He was a member of Groveton Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.
He was the beloved husband of Mary Ann Sloop Gray who survives. Other survivors include his sons, James Gray Jr., of Alexandria, VA, Gordon Gray of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Gray of Alexandria; two grandchildren Whitney and Michael Gray of Alexandria; and a half-brother, David Setzer of Hayesville.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday in the Patton Avenue Chapel of Groce Funeral Home. The Reverend Bill Snyder will officiate with burial following in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
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Dear Family,
I regret not being able to be with you all during this sad time in your life.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all and will remain so.
‘Uncle Bill’ was an extraordinary man with a multitude of strength and courage.
May all of your memories bring you peace and comfort today.
Love,
Jan