Governor Gray Obituary
The Life of Our Governor!
Mr. Governor Gray Jr., affectionally known as Gov, G-Man, Daddy, Papa, and Uncle Jim, made his earthly transition on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in the city of Duluth, State of Georgia. Ironically and lovingly, Governor transitioned on his wife’s 81st Heavenly birthday. Happy Heavenly birthday, momma, and goodnight, daddy - rest peacefully well.
During Governor’s 84 years of life, God afforded him the opportunity to establish many special friendships and business partnerships. Those who knew him well fully shared his experience of living life to the greatest extent humanly possible - whether at J’s Lounge, Cadillac Club, Red Coach, yearly trips to Las Vegas, under the Tree on the south side playing dominoes, or simply working with him for 48 years at General Motors. In living life to the fullest and enjoying God’s blessings, Governor would always emphasize his wife and children to be his pride and joy! As he takes his rest after 84 amazing years on earth, he encourages you and me to live our lives to the fullest and believe in God for everything.
Governor will forever be cherished by his loving daughters, Shylinda Diann GrayStreete and Dr. Jacqueline Gray (Freddie) Dixon Jr.; grand-daughters, Ashley Lynne Gray and Diamond Ruby Gray, his grandsons Brandon Charles (Javary) Robinson, Chauncey Iverson (Brianna) Gray, and Seth Tyler Thomas; sisters, Nancy (Johnny) Woodson, Polly Gray, and Patricia Gray; brothers, Clifton (Gloria) Gray and Tommie (Mabel) Gray. Governor was also blessed to be a great-grandfather of three handsome great-grandsons, Tatum, Brandon Jr. (BJ), and Antony’O, and one beautiful great-granddaughter, Tiahna.
Governor’s life was blessed with geographical love from Ohio, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, Michigan, and Georgia from his many beloved nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. During his time of illness and inability to drive, his Georgia niece and nephews, Ursula (DeRodrius) Brimidge, Leonard (Chantel) Jones, and Quincy Jones, extended themselves with continued loving support, laughter, and spending quality time.
Governor was preceded in death by his parents Governor Sr. and Bessie Scott Gray; his lifetime partner and beautiful wife, Ruby Delores Gray; his only son Tony Earl Gray and his daughter Cheryl Anne Gray; four brothers, Robert Gray, John (Janie) Gray, Willie Gray, and Michael (Laura) Gray; two sisters, Betty Ann and Anita Gray.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3100 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601
People and places connected with Governor
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Governor Gray
Make a Donation
in Governor Gray's name
How to support Governor's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Governor Gray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
