Harry Lewis Gray

Harry Lewis Gray, 95 of Lynchburg, passed away on May 29, 2026. He was born in Bedford, Virginia on March 24, 1931, to the late Charles “Luther” Gray and Minnie Hensley Gray. In addition to his parents Harry was preceded in death by two sisters. Ann Gray Lodge (Wayland-dec) and Josephine (Jo) Gray Crawford (Lemuel-dec.) of Bedford Va. Six brothers Paxton, Charles (Mary), Maurice (Elizabeth-dec), Richard (Ann-dec.), Earl (Patricia-div), and Fred, Richmond Va, (Lois-dec.).

Harry started school at Liberty Academy and graduated from Bedford County High school in 1950. He was class president and graduated as valedictorian. Harry joined the Army and fought in the Korean Conflict (called War later) from 1952-1953, manning a 105mm Howitzer Artillery Gun as Gun Crew Chief. (damaging his hearing to a great extent). He attained the rank of Sargeant. After his time in the military, Harry graduated from Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg -LU) with a Business Degree. He worked for General Electric Two Way Radio for a while in Kansas City, Missouri. He transferred back to Lynchburg with GE Power Line Carrier and then left GE in 1974 and went to work for the Virginia Department of Social Services in Lynchburg. The office moved to Roanoke, and he retired in 1999 as Regional Director. After four-way bypass heart surgery and rehab, Harry volunteered for the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Center of Lynchburg General Hospital CENTRA for 26 years (March 2000 to May 2026). He was also a member of Heritage Baptist Church, in Lynchburg, VA on Breezewood Drive.

Harry is survived by his devoted and dedicated wife of 59 years, Ann Crews Gray; one brother, Aubrey Jackson (Jack) Gray, Bedford VA who has been very close to Harry all his life. Also surviving is a very special nephew, Randy Lodge, Bedford VA, and his very sweet wife Betty and their son Phillip; William Maurice (Billy) Gray II, a “God Send”, who is always there to help along with his wife. Barbara Shaffer Gray, and their wonderful family; his niece Deb Gray Coom (Pettit-div., Les-dec.) who created many great memories with him and Ann (Deb playing her guitar and Harry playing his harmonica); Dallas Webster Gray (Leslie) and their beautiful children; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews all members of a great family. In-Laws = Paul G. (Buck) Crews (Betty-dec.), Shirley Crews Witt (Larry-dec.), Tucker Crews (Bonnie-div., Linda), Mary Elizabeth Crews.

He wishes to acknowledge a truly loving friend, Brandee Eubank and husband Tay, her father- dec.); and their precious son, Kadan, who are friends he and his wife could always count on to be there for them, and her mother Bonnie and her very special grandmother.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Harry’s memory please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.

A Graveside service and celebration of Harry’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Bedford, Virginia at Greenwood Cemetery, 1131 Park St., Bedford, VA 24523. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. Pallbearers are Randy Lodge, Max Gray, Brandee Eubank, Tay Alexander. Will Gray, and Jeff Crews. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.