Vernon Allen Gray

VERNON ALLEN GRAY of Waynesboro, MS, transitioned Tuesday morning, November 8, 2022 while battling pneumonia at Applingwood Healthcare in Cordova, TN. He was the youngest of seven children born to the late Odell Gray, Sr. and Tommie Edd Dunagan.

He attended Riverview High School in Waynesboro, MS and graduated from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS where he earned his Bachelors degree in Political Science and minored in Geography. He also earned a double Masters in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. 

He worked for the Montgomery County Court System and the U. S. Department of Justice as an adult probation and parole officer. In 1974, he enlisted into the United States Army and served as the Tank Commandse for the 3-35th Armored Division in Bamberg, Germany. He returned stateside and served on the Waynesboro Police Department until he retired. 
 

He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 

Due to his failing health, he later moved to Memphis, TN into the care of his daughters. He leaves four daughters:  Dr. Eugenia Gray-Covington and Francine Gray-Rodgers, both of Cordova TN; Benita Sawyers-Lang of Hattiesburg, MS and Bianca Gray of Bamberg, Germany, and one son:  Dorian Gray, also of Bamberg, Germany. He is also survived by two sisters:  Ruby Creagh of Meridian MS and Billie McCullough of Silver Spring, MD, one brother:  George Gray of Waynesboro, MS, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. 
 

Mr. Gray’s wake will be held Friday, November 25th, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Turner Funeral Home, and a viewing period will also be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at St. Luke MB Church, 253 S. Spring St., Waynesboro MS 39367. 
 

Homegoing services are Saturday, November 26th, 2022 at 12:00 PM at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Donald E. Miller as the officiant. Interment will follow at Waynesboro Cemetery. 

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