BUXTON– Jack Stewart Gray, 86, crossed the bar Dec. 10, 2013, at SentaraNursing Center in Barco, surrounded by his loving family. He wasborn on Aug. 4, 1927, to Charles Poole Gray and Odessa Jennette Gray inBuxton. Jack was married to the late Mary Louise Ballancefor 60 years. He often called that his greatest achievement. As ayoung man, he served in the United States Coast Guard. He received hisbachelor’s degree in mathematics from East Carolina University andhis master’s in education administration from the University ofVirginia.
He was a teacher and principal at Graham Park inDumfries, Va. When he moved back home in 1971, he took ownershipof the Tower Circle Motel. Over the next 40 years, he was anactive member of the island community. He was a board member of the RBCbank, and a board member of the Cape Hatteras Electric Company. Heserved on the Dare County School Board, was a lifetime member, layleader, and choir member at the Buxton Methodist Church. Mr. Jack wasa member of the Lion’s club in Virginia, a member of the CapeHatteras Anglers Club, a volunteer fireman, a Shriner, and a member ofthe Masonic Lodge for 59 years.
He is survived by hisdaughters, Jaki L. Gray, and her son, Jackson Troy Whitley, and Mary S.Gray McAnally, her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Brittany;his sister Janet Finnegan, and his brother Tommy Gray. He ispredeceased by his sisters, Iva McAden and Eleanor Gray andhis brothers, Curtis Gray, Fatio Gray, and Wallace Gray.
Funeralservices will be held at the Buxton Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec.14, at 11 a.m. Committal services with Masonic Rites will be heldat the Quidley family cemetery following the service. A visitation forfamily and friends will be held Friday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Carolina Alzheimer’s Association at www.alznc.org.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.
