George Edward Gray

Mr. George Edward Gray, of Shelbyville, TN, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on July 9, 1943, in Shelbyville, TN, Ed lived a life full of love and purpose. He shared 41 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Joan, the love of his life and his favorite dance partner. Together, they lit up every dance floor they stepped onto. Their connection was effortless and joyful, a true reflection of the deep love and companionship they shared.
Mr. Gray, as he was best known, dedicated his career to education, proudly serving the Bedford County School District and surrounding areas for 46 years. He was a passionate and respected educator, admired for his wisdom, patience, and unwavering commitment to his students. His influence reached far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives and colleagues who considered him both a mentor and a friend. Mr. Gray served as both Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Bedford County Schools, Supervisor of Special Education in Bedford County, Principal of Community K-12 School, Principal of Lewis County High School, Principal and teacher at Forrest School in Chapel Hill, and Assistant Principal of Giles County High School. He was honored as Superintendent of the Year for the South Central Area by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents in 2011.
Outside of education, Mr. Gray served as President of the Shelbyville/Bedford County Chamber of Commerce in 2011-2012, and was the recipient of the Shelbyville/Bedford County Distinguished Services Award in 2006. He also served as President of Riverbend Country Club in the 1990's.
Outside of work and upon retirement, Ed found his greatest joy in time spent with family - cheering on his grandchildren, sharing stories, and wisdom. His presence brought warmth and steadiness to every room he entered.
Ed will be remembered for his kind heart, his gentle strength, and the way he and Joan danced through life together - always with love, grace, and joy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Gray of Shelbyville, TN; step-children: Kim Todd Cook of Shelbyville, TN, Terri Jo (Tripp) Womble of Shelbyville, TN, Dee (Carla) Todd of Fayetteville, TN, Joe. B. (Amy) Todd of Shelbyville, TN, and nephew, Tripp (Carmon) York and niece, Carlyn York of Shelbyville, TN; 10 grandchildren, Brittany (Daniel) Booher, Emily (Creole) Kemp, Bailey (Jarrett) Dickens, Micheal Thomas (Cade) Cook, Dalton (Emili) Todd, Eric Womble, Dillan (Meg) Todd, Kaydee (Isaiah) Miller, Canyon Todd, River Todd; 8 great-grandchildren, Ellie Kemp, Avery Booher, Emmitt Kemp, Peyton Booher, Dawsyn Dickens, Ryeitt Dickens, Gwendolyn Todd, Abigail Todd, Colter Miller; sister, Barbara June (Charles) Klinestiver of Lenoir City, TN; brothers, Willis Gray of Lewisburg, TN, Joe (Honey) Gray of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law, Janice Gray of Hendersonville, TN, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: father, Jack Gray, mother, Adelle Gray, and brother, Thomas Gray.
A visitation with the family will be on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Shelbyville First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 1PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Shelbyville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Abe Zimmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Mount Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in his memory, or Shelbyville First United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Tripp York, Micheal Thomas Cook, Dalton Todd, Eric Womble, Dillan Todd, Canyon Todd, River Todd, Daniel Booher, Creole Kemp, Jarrett Dickens, and Isiaih Miller.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Bone, Don Embry, Terry Saylor, Terry Looper, Hal Skelton, Jimmy Williams, Dr. Steven Bills, and John T Bobo.
Doak-Howell Funeral Services is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com