Herman Gray

Obituary For Herman Gray

Herman Gray, the second-born child of the late Thurman Gray Sr. and Carrie Richardson Gray, was born in Southaven, Mississippi, on October 30, 1939.

Thurman and Carrie Gray’s union led to a birthing of continued family legacy with the initiation of twin boys (Thurman and Herman), followed by nine more blessings to make up their family union of thirteen in the Gray Household on a farm in Mississippi where the family owned the soil they nurtured (acres and acres beyond what the eye could capture). Thurman Sr. and Mother Carrie tilled both the soil and their children to grow up with a strong work ethic and a love for God beyond measure. This was Herman’s introduction into life and a ministry he would follow through to his last earthly breath; Love, Faith, Hard Work, and Service were at the core.

Of the two twins, Herman was the “shyer” little brother and twin who would step back and silently observe the world around him. He soaked in life, people, and his analytics of thought began to blossom at a young age. Herman’s assessment of the world would eventually lead to an impressive educational sojourn through his lifespan. At a very young age, Herman confessed his love for Christ and was baptized at Avery Chapel AME Church in Southaven, Mississippi. He nurtured his mind and also embraced his musical side when attending Hernando High School in Hernando, Mississippi. Herman played the trombone under the musical direction of Band Leader George McDaniel. Herman also explored his athletic abilities, playing football as well. He pushed himself at a young age to be aggressive in life’s pursuits and would follow this mantra in all his years.

Herman graduated from Hernando High School in 1959, and through the support of his parents, he started the next level of higher education by attending the ONE and ONLY university to ever do IT like none other…MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY in Greenwood, Mississippi. Herman had a drive like no other to complete his education and foster his belief in higher education on others. Herman graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi Valley in 1964 and went out to start his educational journey as a teacher at the same Hernando High School in Mississippi. Throughout his years, Herman pursued master education classes as well.

As Herman began to lay the groundwork for his career, God also began to set the stage for another new chapter in Herman’s life, Love. Herman was introduced by Ruth Bradley (of the Head Family in Memphis, Tennessee) to his forever love, Lela Head, who was a student-teacher at Hernando during this time. Courtship began, a mutual love grew, and a marital union between Herman and Lela was made on June 7, 1970. Prior to their union, Herman took Lela home during their courtship, and it was shared in an intimate discussion between Mother Carrie and Herman, that he said these words to his mother, “I believe she will make a good wife.” Herman and Lela focused on their careers in the early years of their marriage, wanting to set a solid financial foundation for their one day growing family. In those years before children, Herman and his wife, Lela, embraced loving on their extended family and friends via dinners and meet-ups.

Although Herman and Lela never birthed a male child, they would fondly watch and care for their nephews: Darryl Wayne Higgins, Darryl Head, and Terry Head. In 1975, Herman and Lela grew their family with the birth of their daughter, Latonya Michelle Gray. She was the apple of her parents’ eyes, which is why there are a million childhood photos of her as a baby around their family home. A few years later, Jacinda Rochelle Gray was born in 1979, and the Gray family unit was complete. The Gray family always enjoyed spending time together, whether it was on one of many Disney World vacations in Florida, as well as to see his brother, McKellar, and sister-in-law, Ruth, in Florida. Sunday dinners at home in the Gray household were a standing occasion, and Herman Gray was the king at the head of the table. A lifetime of memories were created between Herman Gray and his family, ranging from their children’s graduations and higher educational pursuits, to purchasing their first homes, and special daddy-daughter trips and mother-daughter trips.

Outside of family and faith, Education and Service were the other pillars of the life of Herman Gray. Herman taught for nearly 30 years in the public school system, as well as supported his family by working at the Commercial Appeal for 40+ years. As the motto for Mississippi Valley State University reads, “ Live for Service”, these precious words were imprinted and lived in our father’s heart, and now are imprinted on his casket. Herman was a proud alumni and donated support for Mississippi Valley State University - Memphis Chapter. He served his community all of his life via Ambassador Club, Neighborhood Watch and Community Engagement Club and supported the Memphis Police Department in his local area through volunteering efforts. Herman LIVED TO SERVE. One of his favorite acts was that of hosting an annual Mother’s Day brunch at Cracker Barrel for his family and friends. He faithfully attended and purchased season tickets for both football season and basketball season at MVSU. He cheered his alma mater ON! Serving brought Herman Gray pure joy.

During this last chapter of Herman’s life, his loving wife of 50 years preceded him in death on March 3, 2021. During this time, Herman’s girls reinforced their love and care for their dad, celebrating and living in all the precious moments. Latonya took such loving care of her dad, as she was practically his neighbor down the road. He would have dinner with her weekly at her home and special meals were prepared for him throughout the week. Herman Gray was SPOILED, and he knew it. He would wear this inner smile that shined through with a light in his eyes as his girls doted on him. The last six months of his life, he spent special time with each daughter, visiting Jacinda in Michigan over Christmas 2024 (accomplishing his first flight ever at 85 years old) and taking a daddy-daughter trip with Latonya to the beach! He talked to his siblings consistently and spoke with his sister, Wanda Bullard, on the phone at least six times daily (the records are there 😊). Herman never stopped living.

Latonya and Jacinda were by their dad’s side during his last few days of life. Herman made his transition from labor to reward on Saturday morning, August 16, 2025. He leaves to cherish the fondest of memories, his two daughters, Latonya Gray and Jacinda Gray (special friend, Cristobal Harper); five brothers, Thurman (Bonnie) Gray Jr., Lenor (Rennia) Gray, Boizell (Gwen) Gray, McKellar (Myrtle) Gray, and Conrad Gray; four sisters, Wanda Bullard, Olivia (James) Stone, Helen Yancey, and Gail Gray; brothers-in-law, Chester (Ora) Head and Albert Head; sisters-in-law, Earlene Higgins, Ruth Bradley, and Mimia “Doll” Hoof; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever celebrate his memory.

In addition to his parents (Thurman Gray Sr. and Carrie Gray), Herman was preceded in death by one brother, Alius Gray and siblings-in-law, Emma Noah Lawson, Hattie Pendleton, Jurdean Beard, George Head Jr., Calvin Head, and Sherrod Head.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am both will be held at Avery Chapel AME 483 Church Rd E, Southaven, MS 38671

Internment will be in New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Rd, Memphis, TN 38109