Talmas Lee Gray, Sr.

Talmas Lee Gray, Sr., 92, retired employee of DuPont and Spontex for 39 years, died Sunday, November 13, 2022 at his residence in Columbia surrounded by his family. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday at 2:30 P.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens. Military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born March 10, 1930 in Lawrence County, he was the son of the late George Lester Gray and the late Chelsie Idell Garrison Gray. He married Cora Dee Mayberry Gray who preceded him in death January 23, 2008. Mr. Gray served in the National Guard where he drove a tank. Earlier in life, Mr. Gray enjoyed hunting and fishing. More recently he enjoyed whittling pine wood derby cars, gardening, and always loved reading the Bible. Mr. Gray was a member of Southgate Church of Christ. Survivors include his son, Talmas L. “Lee” Gray, Jr. of Columbia; daughter, Teresa Robinson of Columbia; sister, Winnine Lee Lawson of Hohenwald; grandchildren, Cole (Jessica) Bowling, Sam Gray, Heather Gray, Tabitha (Mike) Harder, Jeremy Gray, Dakota Gray (Misty Felty), Joe (Kaci) Gray; thirteen great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Melody Gray Bowling; son, Jeffrey Alan Gray; sister, Marylene McFall; and brothers, James “Monk” Gray, and Guyton Gray. Active pallbearers will be Cole Bowling, Sam Gray, Jeremy Gray, Dakota Gray, Ryan Bowling, and Hayden Bowling. The family would like to express a special thanks to Life Care Center of Columbia and Maury Regional Medical Center for the care they provided while Mr. Gray was there.