Edward Gray

There are no words to appropriately announce the death of a beloved son, a caring brother, a loving father or a remarkable friend. Edward Allen Gray, Jr. was all of these. His extraordinary life will be remembered long after the grief of his death subsides. Eddie was born in Nashville, Tennessee on September 8, 1963, a little brother to his sister Debbie. Just short of his 52nd birthday, on Saturday, August 8, 2015, Eddie’s time on this earth ended. In his short life, he touched many with his quick laughter, his inexhaustible love for those around him and his enormous capacity for helping others. He grew up in Marietta, Georgia, graduating from R.L. Osborne High School in 1981. He was a testament to Chattahoochee Technical College with an uncanny ability to repair nearly anything mechanical. He was an accomplished technician who never turned away a request for help, even if the person was unable to pay. Eddie will be remembered by those who knew him as a man who cared for the women in his life. He was preceded in death by his dear Aunt Ruby Ferguson, who he watched over especially in her twilight years when her ability to get around was hindered by age. He was a loving son to his mother, Beverly Carol Dobbs, always placing her needs above his own. His sister, Debbie Masterson, was a large part of his life since the day he entered their Nashville home in 1963. The two were inseparable through the many challenges and successes of the last five decades. He named his daughter after Debbie, giving her a middle name to match the emotion her birth played in his life – Hope. He was most recently employed by Ted’s Montana Grill at the Cumberland Mall, where he enjoyed the company of his colleagues. “There is a sacredness in tears,” noted Washington Irving. “They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” Many tears are being shed over the difficult passing of such a tremendous young man. It is difficult to imagine the impact that Edward Allen Gray, Jr. had on the many people he touched throughout his life. His loss will be excruciating for those who watched him become the man that many feel fortunate to have known. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Hope Gray,his mother Beverly Carol Dobbs, his stepfather Larry Dobbs, his father Edward Allen Gray, Sr., his sister Debbie Masterson, his brother-in-law Joe Masterson and his niece Eileen Masterson. In lieu of flowers, a memorial education fund has been set up for his daughter. Donations may be mailed to Deborah Hope Gray c/o Debbie Masterson Trustee to P.O. Box 1505, Austell, GA 30168. The memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Roy Davis Funeral Home.