Hubert C. Gray, Jr.
Hubert C. Gray, Jr., 85, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on November 21, 2023.
He was born in Chattanooga in 1938 to the late Hubert C. Gray Sr. and Thelma Ann (Johnson) Gray.
A 1956 graduate of Hixson High School, Hubert served a tour of duty as part of the 9th Cavalry in the U.S. Army in Germany. After his tour of duty, he returned to Chattanooga and worked at Mueller Company and Dupont while starting a family. He then moved to 3M and started a career in management. While working for 3M in Chattanooga he started a pottery store (Walnut Grove) that dealt with hand-made pottery and related items. He loved working with the artists and his customers. He stayed with 3M and eventually was transferred to South Carolina and later Minnesota. From there he worked in similar capacities for several ceramic firms in San Diego, Ca., before retiring and returning to Chattanooga.
Hubert’s interest and activities covered a large spectrum. He loved to travel and had been across the world and traveled the United States extensively. He especially loved the desert Southwest and the Native American culture. In his younger years he was an active runner, hiker, scuba diver, and canoeist. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Alhambra Shriners and a Drum Major with the Alahambra Shriners Highlander Pipes and Drums.
History was his passion, especially military history and the study of the Civil War. He was an avid reader and writer and was very knowledgeable of our local history in the Tennessee Valley. He loved classical music and the arts. After retirement he was the narrator for several years on the Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga telling visitors the history of Chattanooga including the local Native Americans, the first settlers, the Civil War, and other facts about the area. He was always ready to learn more and was always willing to share what he knew with anyone willing to listen.
He is survived by two sons: David (Jean) Gray of Hixson and grandchildren Adam, Jennifer, and Leah Gray and Chris (Beth) Gray of Bat Cave, N.C. and grandchildren Crissy Gray, Jake Dillon, and Danielle Edwards all of Chattanooga. He is also survived by one sister Joy Ann Radford of Oklahoma City and several cousins, all of whom he loved to spend time with as well as niece Lydia Welch of Norman, OK and nephew Jeff Thompson of Manchester, TN.
A private service will be held at an upcoming date for friends and family to celebrate a life well lived.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Boy Scouts of America, Cherokee Area Council.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace, www.LaneFH.com, 423 877-3524.