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Obituary For Ms. Deborah R. Gray
Ms. Deborah Rene Gray, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away August 24, 2025. Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, from Holt Street Church of Christ at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow in Brassell Cemetery.
Full Obituary
Deborah R. Gray, was born April 2, 1957, at St. Jude Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, the first of four children born to Attorney Fred D. Gray and the late Bernice Hill Gray. Deborahs died at Baptist South Medical Center on August 24, 2025 after a brief illness.
Deborah was baptized into Christ at the Newtown Church of Christ as a pre-teen and continued to live faithfully until providentially hindered. At the time of her passing, Deborah was a member of the Holt Street Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama. Deborah’s job experiences took her to several cities and states throughout the United States, including, but not limited to Nashville, Tennessee; the Tampa Bay area, Florida; California; Atlanta, Georgia and Montgomery.
Upon graduation from Tuskegee Institute High School in 1974, Deborah attended Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota for one year. She transferred to Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana where she earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree, in Communications with a concentration in business administration/marketing.
Deborah was a seasoned marketing and communications professional with experience in national cable and broadcast television, the Atlanta Olympic Games, print production and radio broadcasting, advertising and public relations, and electronic media.
She was multitalented and availed herself of opportunities to develop expertise in varied areas in the communications arena. She was skilled in media, working at WSFA-TV 12; WTSP-TV-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL; and WQXM-FM (98 Rock) Radio – Clearwater, FL near the beginning of her career.
She worked in Marketing/Group Sales at Macon County Greyhound Park and Birmingham Race Course, Atlanta, Georgia, 1988-1997, where she managed day-to-day operations of the field office in Atlanta.
Following her mother’s death In 1997, Deborah received and responded to a call from her father for help with what was, at the time, a “want, desire and idea”. She relocated to Montgomery, Alabama, to create, build from void on the inside and breathe life into a space formerly operated as a bank, into what has become the Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center (the Center), a non-profit museum giving life to history on legal battles and an educational center, teaching visitors the facts on The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, human rights and voting rights battles critical to this country. The Center now serves as the official visitor center for Tuskegee and Macon County, Alabama. For approximately 28 years, Deborah Gray poured her life, intellect, creativity and being into the Tuskegee History Center as its Managing/Executive Director and volunteer.
Deborah directed the establishment of the new museum, including strategic planning, fund development, financial management, partnership development, program conceptualization and implementation, marketing, event planning and management. She managed the vendor bid and quote process for construction projects; managed the vendor selection and quote process for exhibits, brochures and promotional materials; managed creative and production processes of promotional video, exhibits and literature; supervised funder-supported web design; provided and coordinated training and development opportunities for Center personnel; and generated over $1.5 million from public and private sources.
Deborah is survived by her father, Attorney Fred D. Gray (Carol); sister, Vanessa Gray-Taylor; brothers Attorney Fred D. Gray, Jr. (Bridgett); Attorney Stanley F. Gray (Lawanda); step-sister, June Porter; step-brothers, Errol Porter and Corey Porter; 4 cousins, 2 uncles, 1 aunt, nephews, nieces and other relatives, friends and loved ones.
Final services will be conducted at the Holt Street Church of Christ, 945 S. Holt Street, Montgomery, AL In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Tuskegee history Center in the name of Deborah Gray, P. O. Box 830768 Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 Donations may also be paid electronically at tuskegeecenter.org.
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James Carter sent Beautiful Dreams for Ms. Deborah R. Gray - August 27, 2025
Rheba Knox sent Stately Croton for Ms. Deborah R. Gray - August 27, 2025
Deirdre McCaa sent Sympathy Spray for Ms. Deborah R. Gray - August 26, 2025
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No one else can truly feel the sorrow that you bear, but may it help some how to know that we care,may it help to ease your loss and bring some comfort,too, to know our thoughts are there in sympathy with you, our hearts go out to you in your loss. The Gantt Family
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers are extended to the Gray family on the loss of Deborah. May your memories bring you comfort in the days to come.
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I extend my deepest sympathy to the Gray Family and pray that God will comfort you through this difficult time 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I am deeply saddened for the loss of your dear loved one. I pray God will provide the needed comfort and strength during your season of bereavement. May each of you treasure the precious memories Deborah R. Gray brought into your lives, and may they help you see the light that shines because of the life she shared with you. It is my hope that each new day fills your hearts with warm thoughts of Deborah, as they becomes easier for everyone of you to face without her. My prayers will continue to go up to God for Him to strengthen and make you stronger. May the Lord continues to always bless and keep you in His loving and protective care.🧡🙏🏽✌🏽🌹
My condolences to the family. Deborah was a classmate of mine. She will be missed.
My sincere sympathy to all the members of the Gray families. Hold on to the fond memories of Deborah as we all seek the comfort, peace and care of Christ. Keeping you all in prayer.
My condolences to the family. Deborah was a strong colleague who cared much about the history of our Nation. She will be missed.
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My deepest condolences to the entire Gray's family. We will be keeping you in our prayers that God will comfort you during this time of sorrow Rest in Peace, Debrorah
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We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Gray family and continue to offer prayers for God's comfort to be extended to all of you.
Jack Family
Our sincere prayers & heartfelt sympathy are extended to the Gray family during this season of your untimely loss. Walter & Amy Pack
You will be missed and remembered. Your passion and commitment to the Tuskegee History Center is and will continue to be a guiding light to Macon County and Tuskegee, Alabama.
Thank you Deborah
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We remain joyful in her glorious homecoming; the Angels are blessed.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
