On June 1, 1954, Larry Benjamin Gray was born to Nathaniel Gray and the late Mrs. Eva Mae Jackson-Golden in Marianna, Florida. Upon completion of high school, Larry entered into the U.S. Armed Forces and served 20 years in the Army, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. On May 12, 1974, Larry married Ethel Ray Coleman after a 3 month courtship. Raising and providing for his wife and three daughters was Larry’s primary focus in life. After retiring from the military, he continued to diligently support his family, working 15 years with the Columbus Consolidated Government and holding various civilian jobs on Ft. Benning, Muscogee County School District, and Columbus State University. Larry loved being around people. When he was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family, joking and laughing with friends, relaxing with a fishing rod in hand, or completing a challenging jigsaw puzzle.

His legacy of family includes his wife of 41 years, Ethel Gray; three daughters: Mashawn Mickels, Milissa Gray, and Maronica (Timotheus) Durden; his loving aunts, Dorothy “Baby Sister”, Mary “Boo Boo”; and his siblings: Michael (Loretta) Gray, Keith (Barbara) Jackson, Ann Bryan, Jackie (Sam) Lee, Lawrence (Christine) Golden, Henrietta Golden, Tesa Golden, Mark Golden, Robert Golden, Stevie Jackson, nephew that was raised like a brother; and the late Carolyn Jackson and Troy Golden. Additionally, Larry was loved by his 16 sisters in law and 14 brothers in law. Two of the most important people of his life were his grandchildren, Asaria and Treyvon Durden.  Larry will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and close friends.