Phillip Gray Jr.

1942 - 2023

Phillip

Gray Jr.

Phillip Gray Jr. (Major, Retired, U.S. Army), passed away on March 2, 2023, at the age of 80. He is survived by his sister, Alberta (Susie) Osgood; former wife, Willia Frances Gray; their children, Dr. Camille Gray, Michael Gray, and Dolly Gray (Colonel, Retired, U.S. Army). He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Mary (Bell) Gray; brothers, Frank and William (Bo) Gray; sister, Rosalee (Sam) Plair; and son, Matthew Gray (Command Sergeant Major, Retired, U.S. Army). Phillip was the proud grandfather of eight, Patrick Gray (Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force), Ariel Gray, Matthew Gray Jr., Olivia Gray, Jackson Gray, Liam Livingston, Lily Livingston, and Lucy Livingston; and one great-grandchild, Calliope Gray. He is also survived by his special friend, Maggie Mack, and many other friends and family members.

Phillip grew up in Waynesboro, GA and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961. Phillip served in many places in the United States and abroad to include Fort Gordon, GA, Fort Knox, KY, Wildflecken Germany, Fort Riley, KS, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey, Korea, Presidio Monterey, CA, and Vietnam. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Expert Infantry Badge. In addition to his honorable service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management from La Salle University in 1997.

After retiring, Phillip worked for the South Carolina Department of Corrections where he attained the rank of Warden. He also served four years as the President of the Usher Ministry for New Ebenezer Baptist Church and volunteered in the Florence District One School District helping special needs children.

A viewing will be held at the Dimery and Rogers Funeral Home, Florence, SC on March 9, 2023, from 5 - 7 p.m. A homegoing service will be held at New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Florence, SC on March 10, 2023 at 10 a.m. After the service, Phillip will be buried at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation.

Dimery and Rogers Funeral Home