February 18, 1931 – November 16, 2023
BUXTON — James Winton Gray, 92, of Buxton, North Carolina, passed away on November 16, 2023. Jim was born in Buxton, to the late Cyrus Rufman Gray and Oliva Austin Gray, on February 18, 1931.
Jim spent many happy hours crabbing, clamming, and just messing about in the sound. Jim attended Elizabeth City High School and spent several years after serving in the United States Coast Guard. He always loved tinkering, building, and fixing, so it was natural that he later attended North Carolina State University to study electrical engineering, which led to a long and successful career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Jim retired in 1993 and returned home to Buxton with his family. He enjoyed attending church and was always looking for ways to help others. He was the definition of a good man – kind, thoughtful, hardworking, and never met a stranger. He was active in the Anglers Club, the Masonic Lodge, the USCG Auxiliary, and the United Methodist Men. In his free time, Jim enjoyed traveling the country with his wife, Nita, via sailboat or RV, and visiting their many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents; Rufman and Olivia Gray, a brother; Carroll Gray, and a daughter; Nancy Gray Insley. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Juanita Gray, and children; James C. Gray, James Hardin, Carolyn Gray Kinnes, Clarisse Choux, Janet Gray Holland, Joyce Watkinson, and Laura Gray Holloway, and 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
The service will be held on Monday, November 20, at 2:00 pm, at the Buxton United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at The Buxton Cemetery.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
