Melvin Gray

Melvin Ronald Gray Jr., 77, of Cambridge, passed away Sunday (August 10, 2025) at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Lore City on April 17, 1948 to Melvin R. Gray and Leota B. (Redd) Gray. He was the second of five children. Melvin was a 1966 graduate of Meadowbrook High School.

He retired from LDM.

Melvin enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Mae (Thomas J.) Stefano, Sharon L. Moore, and Deborah Ann Gray (stillborn); his son, Melvin R. Gray III; his wife, Nancy Lee Gray; two daughters-in-law, Lisa Pierce and Billie Pierce; and his brothers-in-law, Harold “Bud” (Shirley) Wade, Arnold “Jr.” Wade, Bobby Wade, Roger Smith, and Cecil Peters.

Melvin is survived by his sister, Cindy Bertubin; his children, Jeannie Gray (Ben) Carpenter, Joe Pierce, Jason (Michelle) Pierce, Jacob Pierce, and Joshua (Kimberly) Pierce; his daughter-in-law, Jana Gray; his sisters-in-law, Patricia Peters and Judy Smith; his brother-in-law, David Moore; his grandchildren, Jordan M. Gray, Brianna (Cole) Briggs, Sawyer (Megan) Burt, Jennifer L. (Troy) Carpenter, Joey (Tori) Pierce, Jeremy (Lindsay) Pierce, Jessica (Jeremy) Pierce, Kirsten Pierce, Taylor (Steven) Stork, Kinzie Pierce, Justin (Shelby) Pierce, Amber (Chris) Carte, Christopher Pierce, Erin Pierce (Dakota Carte), Erica Pierce (Anthony “Bubba” Spires), and Dalton (Jess) Kirkman; twenty-two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; many “unofficial” adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; many friends; and his personal bodyguards, Muncie, Minney, and Dipstick.

Visitation will be held Friday (August 15, 2025) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Byesville, where funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Eschbaugh officiating.

Burial will be at Guernsey County Memory Gardens, Cambridge.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com