Hugh Alton Gray passed away on July 11, 2024. Born in Newsoms, VA on Dec. 27, 1929, Hugh was the son of Joseph Hugh Gray and Bettie Whitley Gray, now deceased. Hugh graduated from Newsoms High School in 1947 and began his career with Colonial Stores as a stock clerk in Suffolk, VA that same year. He received a scholarship from the company to attend Michigan State University after two years with the company. Hugh received several promotions and ended up as Division Manager of Stores Operations for the Columbia, S.C. division of the company.

Hugh retired from the company in 1978 and developed his own company of wholesale food distribution out of Decatur, GA. In early 1985, he sold the company and retired back to Virginia.

Hugh was one of eight children: Earl, Vernard, and Ralph Gray, Merlen Lassiter, Jacquelyn Clary, and Joyce Harrell, all deceased, and surviving sister Bettie Gray Allen.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Nather Crutchlow Gray. Surviving are his son Jeffrey Hugh Gray and his wife Lisa, his daughter Cynthia Gray Ward, and grandchildren, Amy Gray Moxley (Greg), Sarah Gray Mikac (Andrew), Jeffrey Gray, Jr., Benjamin Ward (Emily), and Grayson Ward (Lindsey), and seven great grandchildren all whom he dearly loved.

Hugh was active in the Methodist church. He was a Master Mason for over 60 years and a member of the Lions Club for many years.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Suffolk Christian Church in Suffolk, VA on Friday, August 30th. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall afterwards.

Memorials may be made to PCSC Employee Assistance Fund and sent to: Office, Columbia Presbyterian Community, 700 DaVega Drive, Lexington, SC 29073.