Courtland – Joseph Henry "J.H." Gray, III, 85, longtime Southampton County farmer passed away April 28, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Mr. Gray was born in Franklin and was the son of the late Joseph Henry Gray, Jr. and Maria Elizabeth Camp Gray. He was also predeceased by a son, Joseph Henry "Joey" Gray, IV and a sister, Alice Elizabeth Gray.

Mr. Gray graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1951 and served in the United States Army from 1954-1956. He was a member of Sebrell United Methodist Church, the Sebrell Civic Club, the Sebrell Hunt Club and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betty Jane Pearce Gray, a daughter, Carolyn Joanne Roebuck, a son, Michael Dennis Gray, a sister, Jane Evelyn Stauffer, two grandsons, Joseph Clifton Roebuck, III and Kenneth Paul Roebuck, one great grandson, Joseph Clifton Roebuck, IV.

A funeral will be held at 2PM Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin with Pastor David Dillon officiating. The burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Courtland. The family will receive friends at the residence and suggests that memorial donations be made to the Courtland Rescue Squad. www.wrightfuneralhome.org