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Gray J. Smith passed away at the home of his daughter, Adrianne, in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 17, 2017. He was 92 years old.
Gray was born in Statesville, N.C. to George and Rosa Smith on Feb. 27, 1925.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Two of those years he spent at seas on the USS Guavina submarine. When he returned home, he married his long-time sweetheart, Frances “Tootie” Austin on March 12, 1947. Often referring to her as his bride, Gray was always head-over-heels for Frances.
They moved to Miami, Ariz. in 1952 and remained there indefinitely. They had two girls, Sandra Stephenye (b. 1947) and Audrianne Austin (b. 1951). Gray worked at the Inspiration Smelter Company for more than 35 years as a carpenter.
He lived 62 years in the house he built on Sunnyslope Avenue. He was always doing repair jobs and/or constructing new additions. Gray loved his chosen profession — he was a true craftsman — and always took great pride in his work. Though he was a hard worker, he always found the time to help someone in need.
Once retired, Gray and Frances spent the majority of their summers at their cabin in Greer, Ariz., dubbed “The Smith’s Rocky Nob.” Gray was a master jig-saw puzzler, loved to play cards, fish, dance, and play little pranks on people, but most of all, he loved being around his family. He was also a past exalted ruler in the Elks Club.
He was married to Frances until her death in 2015 — they celebrated 68 years together. Gray is survived by his daughters, Sandy (Skip) Preston and Adrianne Smith; grandchildren, Shanna (Mike), Karrie, Trey (Sonia) and Stephanie; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Alexa, Phoebe, Treden, Tallen, Katie and Lyla; his brother, Fred Allen; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
We especially want to thank his close friends and neighbors for always being there. We are humbled and honored to have had such a wonderful man guide us throughout the years and to set such a fine example of the important things in life. We’ll always love and honor you, Dad. Loving you forever.
