Larry Joseph Gray Sr.

Larry Joseph Gray Sr., lovingly known as "Pops", 64, of Indianapolis passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024. He was born September 6, 1959, in Indianapolis, IN To William J. Gray Sr. and Gladys E. (Gray) Perkins. 

During his childhood, Larry excelled academically in school and displayed impressive athletic abilities. He played baseball, specifically in the left field position at Douglas Little league. Larry's upbringing took place within the Church of God in Christ, Pastor Elder Bishop. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School 1977, and joined the Navy. Seaman Recruit, Larry J. Gray was deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a crew member aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Albany, operating from Gaeta, Italy as a unit of the U.S. Sixth Flee. After his military service, he married Tammie (Rhoades) Gray in September 1978 at the Justice of Peace in Indianapolis, IN. Later in life Larry lived in Las Vegas, NV and then returned to Indianapolis, IN. He worked as an insurance claims representative for Anthem. 

Larry was known for his strong faith and caring nature, always willing to lend a helping hand. Additionally, he showcased his creativity by constructing his own basketball court and was also a skilled dancer, mastering the worm dance move. He had a strong passion for football, particularly for the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed grilling and cherished moments with loved ones, especially his grandchildren. 

Larry is survived by his son, Larry J. Gray Jr. (De Londia); daughter, Tamara Gray; brothers, William Gray Jr. (Valerie), Ernest Byrd (Crystal), Vernon Compton, Alvin Gray, Dale Gray (Angela); sisters, Linda Gaddis and Shelia Shaw; bonus mother, Margie Gray; grandchildren, Antwone, Layla, Shawn, Ashawnte, Roniyah, Tyree and Lyric; great grandchildren, Antonio Helms and Kaylonnie Gray; best friend of 37 years, Kimberly McCullum; and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Gray Sr. and Gladys E. (Gray) Perkins; and daughter, Latoya Gray.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST., with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Helm Missionary Baptist Church, 1602 N. College Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46202. Pastor Damon L Jones Officiant. Pallbearers - Larry Gray Jr., William Gray Jr, Ernest Byrd, Vernon Compton, Alvin Gray, Dale Gray. Honorary Pallbearers - Johnny Smith, Patrick Taylor, Corey Simmons, Ricky Johnson, Shannon Shaw Jr., Shawn Taylor, Antwone Ervin, and Tyree Coleman.