Joseph Garland Gray

Joseph Garland Gray, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Grifton on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026. He was born in Robersonville, NC on February 27th, 1943 to James Henry Gray II and Lillian Dell Moye Gray.

Joe is survived by his two sons: Chris Gray, wife Stephanie and their daughter Addison of Greenville; Ryan Gray of Greenville; mother to their children Katherine Hardee of Greenville; and by his four brothers; James "Chip" Gray (Jeanette) of Raleigh, Billy Gray (Jo Ann) of Independence LA, Bob Gray of Washington and Van Gray of Robersonville as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Joe's work career involved working in the automotive and marine mechanics at an early age before pursuing a career in trucking as an independent as well as working for Roy Mills Trucking located in Goldsboro and Shavender Trucking in Pantego. He also worked for a couple of farms during his career including Worthington Farms in Greenville and Royal Heritage Farms in Grifton tending to longhorn cattle. Joe finished off his career by working for the town of Grifton before his retirement.

Joe had a passion for aviation and for the outdoors. His love for aviation came early in his life as he began to build model airplanes and eventually competed against other enthusiasts in the area throughout his early adult years. He studied general aviation and became a licensed private pilot in the early 1970's. He regularly attended air shows and fly-ins at numerous airfields throughout eastern NC and never missed an opportunity to stop at a local airport. You could catch him regularly just watching planes fly in and out at Kinston Regional Airport. Joe's passion for the outdoors also started at an early age learning to hunt and fish as a child in Robersonville. He continued that passion throughout his life mainly fishing for bass, bream and shad on the Tar River, Neuse River and Contentnea Creek. Later in life, you would find him watching for wildlife at his local hunting club in Grifton from the comfort of his truck. He also loved watching birds, including anticipating the return of the family of martins that resided in the gourds located at his house.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the American Cancer Society or to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. The family would also like to thank 3HC Hospice care for their care during the last 3 weeks of his life and for the many thoughts and prayers received during this time.