Bennett Gray

Bennett Gray, 79, passed away peacefully at his residence on April 25, 2022.

Bennett, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend was born on November 30, 1942 to the late Brownlow and Martha Gray. He grew up in Morganton, NC where many will fondly remember him going by the nickname “Sonny”. Bennett attended Morganton High School where he was the captain of the high school football team his senior year and also excelled on the high school baseball team. He also gained local recognition playing Little League and Junior League American Legion baseball.

Bennett attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in English and History. He was a member of the ASU wrestling and baseball teams and worked at Tweetsie Railroad during the summers. Bennett also earned a Masters Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in History and School Administration. In addition, Bennett earned his Advanced Principalship and North Carolina Superintendents certification from Appalachian State University.

Bennett had an extensive and successful 34 year career with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. He began his career as a classroom teacher and football coach at John McKnitt Alexander Junior High, Kennedy Junior High and Northeast Junior High schools. Bennett then served as Assistant Principal at Piedmont Junior High as well as Assistant Principal and later Principal at John Taylor Williams Junior High School. He completed his career at Clear Creek Elementary where he served as Principal for 16 years.

Bennett was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 56 years, Sue Gray and his sister, Jeanette Gray Kramer. He is survived by his daughter, Angie Gray Lambert and husband Kevin Lambert, along with his grandson, Chris Lambert and his granddaughter, Kelsey Lambert. Bennett lived a life full of hunting, fishing, family and music. He participated in many Bassmaster fishing tournaments and enjoyed many days hunting in his younger years. He began playing guitar almost 50 years ago and loved listening to, playing and singing bluegrass music. For the past 20 years, you could find him at Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville playing and singing in the bluegrass music circle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Ave. Charlotte, NC 28226 or the Cornelius Animal Shelter, 19110 Meridian St, Cornelius, NC 28031.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 3:00 PM, Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville. Funeral services will follow immediately at 3:00 PM.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.kepnerfh.com.