Tommy Lee Gray was born on June 28, 1958, to the late Thomas Gray and the late Rosie Lee (Newborn) Gray in Forest City, Arkansas. Tommy would often attend Smith Temple Church of God in Christ with his oldest sister and family, during his childhood and teenage years. 

He began his educational journey at Stewart Elementary attending the first grade through the six grade and continued his junior high school years at the Forest City Junior High School. He later moved to Pine Bluff, AR where he then enrolled in the Dollarway School District where he graduated from Dollarway High School in 1976. After high school he joined the Navy, where he served as a cook.

After he completed his service in the military, he lived in Oakland California. He met a young lady, their name Valeria McCree, and they fell in love and had two sons. He later moved back to Pine Bluff, AR. and became employed with a moving and traveling company. He later moved back to San Jose, California where he worked with the VA until his health failed. He retired and became disabled. 

Tommy was the kindest person who never met a stranger. He was always willing to give everyone a helping hand, no matter what the circumstance. He once took a homeless veteran off the street. He took him to his home and nursed him back to health; they lived together for many years. 

When he was younger, he would often be in the kitchen with his oldest sister cooking. Wherever she was he was. He was her shadow. He mastered his cooking skills and became known as a grill expert when it came to barbeque. He put his heart into cooking. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Tommy transitioned on October 14, 2025. He is preceded in death by his daughter Ruthie McGee, his sister Khalilah (Rose) Sundiata. He leaves to cherish his memories his two sons Micheal McGee of Little Rock, AR, Tommy McGee of Oakland, CA, and his daughter, Nicole Nothstein of Manteca, CA. He is also remembered by eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren; four brothers Mardy Gray of Denver, CO, Timothy Gray of Denver, CO, James Harris of Houston, TX and Benjamin Harris of Pine Bluff, AR, three sisters Forrestine (Moses) Chism of Pine Bluff, AR, Lula Ann Gray of Los Angeles , CA and Keyli Welch of Pine Bluff, AR, and other relatives and friends.  Also, a special Godmother, Moter Loraine Lee of Pine Bluff, AR.

                                                        The Dash 

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on the tombstone, from the beginning to the end.  

He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.  

We will always love and miss you. Your family.