Boykins – Richard Bland Gray, 69, passed away June 2, 2021 in his home with family by his side.  A native of Southampton County, he was a son of the late Ashby Bland and Lucille Ferguson Gray.  He is also predeceased by a brother, James Wilson "JW" Gray and a granddaughter, Abbigail Drake.

Richard was a 1969 graduate of Southampton High School, served in the US Army and six years in the National Guard, and was a farmer with his brother, Roger, and his nephew, Bubba.  He was "Holly Tree" to the members of S & S Hunt Club and was a member of Barnes United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 48 years, Rita June Evans Gray; two daughters, Laura Beth Gray (Chris) and Casey Marie Drake; two sisters, Pearl Vick and Joyce Clements (Carter); two brothers, Roger Gray (Vickie) and Wayne Gray; a grandson, Carson Drake; and many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2 PM Friday, June 4, 2021 in Hollywood Cemetery with Rev. Darwin Edwards and Rev. Penny Rasnake officiating.  Please come casual.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday in Wright Funeral Home in Franklin and suggests that memorial donations be made to Barnes United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org