Lester Paul Gray

Mr. Lester Paul Gray, 89, of Hamptonville, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was born October 17, 1937, in Yadkin County to the late Paul Gray and Edith Bell Gray.

Mr. Gray lived a life filled with faith, family, friendship, and a genuine love for those around him. He retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company after more than 30 years of dedicated service. He found great enjoyment in his retirement years driving a school bus for West Yadkin Elementary School, where he treasured the opportunity to be a part of the children's daily lives. A lifelong and faithful member of Mountain View Baptist Church, his Christian faith remained an important foundation throughout his life.

Mr. Gray enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, whether spending a beautiful day on the golf course, traveling to the beach, or attending baseball games with family and friends. One of his memorable adventures was a trip to New York to experience the excitement of the World Series. While he certainly enjoyed these outings, it was the fellowship, laughter, and memories made along the way that meant the most to him.

Above all else, Mr. Gray was a devoted family man whose greatest joy came from being involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was their faithful supporter, biggest fan, and proudest cheerleader, rarely missing an opportunity to attend a ball game, school activity, or special occasion. His enthusiasm from the sidelines was sometimes hard to contain, and he took great pride in the fact that, despite attending countless ball games over the years, he had only been ejected twice for expressing his disagreement with the officials. It was this spirited personality, along with his unwavering love and support, that made him such a treasured part of his family's lives.

Those who knew Mr. Gray will forever remember his familiar little red truck, the ever-present toothpick in his mouth, and the warm personality that made him so easy to love. In fact, his fondness for a toothpick began early in life, earning him the nickname "Toothpick" during his high school years. These simple but cherished memories will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and comfort to the many family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Although his family will deeply miss his presence, they find comfort in the countless wonderful memories he leaves behind and in knowing that his legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on through the generations of his family. His was a life well lived, not measured by worldly accomplishments, but by the love he gave, the relationships he treasured, and the lasting difference he made in the lives of those closest to him.

In addition to his father, Paul Gray, and mother, Edith Gray Holbrook, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane "Janie" Sparks Gray; brothers, Bobby Gray and Tony Gray; and half-sister, Paulette Jeffers.

Left to cherish his memory are his two devoted daughters, Sherry Oliver and husband Neal of Hamptonville, and Sandra Stinson and husband Edwin of Sherrills Ford; four loving granddaughters, Hayley Oliver Bender and husband Tim of Huntersville, Gretchen Oliver Riddle and husband Clint of Huntersville, Katie Stinson Berting and husband Shawn of Huntersville, and Abbie Stinson Coones and husband Toby of Davidson; nine precious great-grandchildren, Everett Bender, Landry Bender, Hattie Jo Bender, Aniston Riddle, Oliver Riddle, Stinson Berting, Charlie Kate Berting, Turner Berting, and Janie Mae Coones; half-sister, Penny Pruitt and husband Chris; half-brother, Michael Holbrook; half-brother, Tommy Gray and wife Kathy; along with many other special family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM Thursday at Mountain View Baptist Church. His funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM Thursday at Mountain View Baptist Church, with Rev. David Childress officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jean Brooks for the exceptional love, kindness, and compassionate care she provided Mr. Gray during the past several weeks. Her devotion and support have been a tremendous blessing to the entire family.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Mountain View Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund, Mountain View Church Road, Hamptonville, NC.

Mr. Gray will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his love of family, his wonderful sense of humor, and the joy he found in simply being present for those he loved. Though his little red truck may no longer be seen traveling the familiar roads of Hamptonville, the memories of the man behind the wheel will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.