Larry Joe Gray

Larry Joe Gray, age 81 of Smyrna, TN, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026. A native of Lawrance County, TN, he was the son of the late Louis Franklin Gray and Pearl Haygood Gray. Larry was also preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Marie K. Gray; brothers, Leo, Willie D., Ocie and Noble Gray; sister, Vaudie Gray Marks; stepchildren, Johnny Dalton and Pam Mitchell; and a brother-in-law Sam French.

Larry is survived by his wife, Cindy Gray; sister, Marlene French; sons Larry Dwayne (Lucinda) Gray, Jeffrey Scott (Betty) Gray, and Sean Everett (Teresa) Gray; stepchildren, Kenneth (Darlene) Dalton, Donna (Jeff) Stewart, Tim Mitchell, Jennifer (Johnny) Jones, Michael (Rachael) Hawkins, Audri (Charles) McNeal, and Corky (Karen) Hawkins; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Rutherford County Baptist Church, 5742 Seminary Road, Smyrna, TN. 37167. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 12:00 PM following the visitation with Pastor Paul Chisgar officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Mapleview Cemetery with Bill Johannan, Jr., Alan Johnson, Marlin Hunter, Shawn Moore, Dusty Potts, and Ronald Fuller serving as pallbearers.

Larry was a native of Lawrence County, a graduate of Summertown High School, and moved to Rutherford County in 1971. He was a U. S. Army Vietnam Veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, First-Third Oak Leaf Cluster and various other Medals.

Larry served as Deacon of Southgate Baptist Church from 2007-2018, and now a current member of Ruthford County Baptist Church. He was a Christian full of faith and love for his Lord and Savior.

Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, special brother, uncle, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rutherford County Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN in memory of Larry.

An online guestbook for the Gray family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Woodfin Funeral Chapel, Smyrna. (615) 459-3254.