Franklin – Melvin Vernon Gray, 82, passed away March 30, 2018 in Tifton, GA. Mr. Gray was a native of Newsoms and was a son of the late James Clyde Gray and Cozy Drake Gray. He was also predeceased by his son Melvin Gray Jr. and two brothers, Reginald Gray and James Carlton Gray.

Mr. Gray was a member of Franklin Presbyterian Church and was a retired transportation clerk with International Paper. He was a US Army Veteran, a member of Masonic Lodge 151 AF & AM and a Shriner.

Melvin enjoyed his family, friends, church, and his service with the Masons and Shriners.  He was kind-hearted, loving, always smiling, and a true gentleman.  One of his favorite hobbies was ballroom dancing with his beloved wife, Barbara.  To see them float across the dance floor together was a true gift and brought them years of joy.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Barbara Carr Cutchins Gray, a daughter Kim Gray Gaddy of Fairhope, AL, two step daughters, Kim Cutchins (Craig Kvien) of Tifton, GA and Debbie Cutchins (Jerry Staley) of Round Hill, VA, a step son M. Edward Cutchins, Jr. (Shinae) of Sandy Hook, VA and eight grandchildren Gracen Gaddy of Los Angeles, CA, Gabe and Sam Staley of Round Hill, VA, Daisy and Joe Cutchins of Sandy Hook, VA, Zachary Rosenfield of Tifton, GA, Amy Kvien-Davis (Mark) of Richmond and Allison Kvien of Cheyenne, WY.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday April 7, 2018 with Masonic Rites and Military Honors in Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Lou Ventura officiating. Burial will follow at Southampton Memorial Park. A reception will follow the services in the fellowship hall of Franklin Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Friday at the funeral home and suggests that memorial donations be made to Franklin Presbyterian Church, Franklin Masonic Lodge 151 AF & AM, or the Franklin Shrine Club. www.wrightfuneralhome.org