Don Gray Obituary

KINGSPORT - Don W. Gray, 79, a lifelong resident of Kingsport, passed away shortly after his birthday. Don had a big heart and relied heavily on it as he journeyed through life. He gave his heart willingly to others, sharing his brilliant smile and generous nature with nearly everyone he met. And he used the fire in his heart to relentlessly pursue and successfully achieve his dreams. He led an extraordinary life and embraced all of life's challenges with fiery passion. His nature was to give his all in everything that he did. Embracing life so vividly depleted all of his heart's strength much too soon, and it peacefully stopped beating at his home, surrounded by his family, on November 1, 2023.

Don's personality was unique, and his achievements were many.

He was a proud veteran, having served in the US Army National Guard in the 1960's. He honed his rifle skills during that time, becoming a decorated sharpshooter. He also learned to cook and enjoyed dishing up Army fare, especially spaghetti, for his family for years afterward.

He was an avid motorsports man. He built his first race car in 1965 and spent the rest of his life heavily involved in the sport. He spent several years touring and driving his first car on the drag racing circuit. A few years later, he formed his own dirt track motorsports team featuring renowned drivers, Bill Morton, and Herman Goddard, and was a partial owner of Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap. In the 1990's, he built a replica of his first drag race car, and teamed up with driver, Van Greer, to win the 1996 IHRA Fall Nationals and complete a one-year tour on the NHRA circuit. In later years, he continued to express his love of motorsports by sponsoring young race car drivers, showing his restored first drag car at shows, and providing support to the Southeast Gassers Association.

He was an entrepreneur. He started first as a home builder and flooring supplier in the early 1970's. Next, Don established a rental business for residential and commercial properties, a used auto parts store and a farm fresh produce market and gas station. In 1985, on a whim, he started Don Gray Trucking, a long-haul flatbed transportation service, specializing in flat-glass carriage across the US and Canada. He started humbly with only two trucks, but through sheer determination he was able to grow his fleet to 85 trucks by the early 1990's. Don ran his trucking company for the next 25-years, retiring in 2010 to focus full time on his rental properties and helping others achieve their dreams.

He was a politician. He never pursued political office himself, but he spent many years giving his time and support to Republican candidates, both nationally and locally. He was a Member of the Republican National Committee. He was especially proud to have acted as an intermediary between one of our area's largest manufacturers and President Bill Clinton during a time of critical legislation on Capitol Hill.

He was a humble philanthropist. Whether a person was a saint or sinner did not matter to Don. He shared his time and blessings freely with others and that gave him great joy.

He was a natural born storyteller as the twists and turns of his life afforded him many uncommon and noteworthy experiences. Some of his stories highlighted life lessons, some were sad, but many induced fits of hearty laughter from his listeners.

He was a Christian. He was a member of Fordtown Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed the preaching of Dr. Phil Hoskins and regularly attended Higher Ground Baptist Church during Phil's tenure there. Don died with a smile on his face and his family is assured that he was happy to enter his heavenly home and be joyfully greeted by his beloved grandfather, the late Coy Mac Wilson.

He was unforgettable. Don's memory will live on with many, but most importantly with his loving wife, Patricia (Garland) Gray, devoted daughter, Leslie, and son-in-law, Chad Carberry.

The family would like to sincerely thank close family friends, Dee Martin, David Davis, and Mary Sue Dollen, for the generous support they provided during Don's final days.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 11, 2023, 12:00-1:45 pm in the funeral home chapel.

A Masonic Service will begin at 2:00 pm conducted by the Sinking Creek Masonic Lodge #575.

A Celebration of Life Service will follow with Dr. Phil Hoskins officiating.

The Graveside and Committal Service will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 2:00 pm in the Gray Family Estate at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.

To share memories and condolences with the family please visit www.oakhillfh.com

The care of Don W. Gray and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.