Marvin Gray
Marvin Granville Gray, Jr passed into glory on Sunday, March 3, 2024. He was born on December 21, 1943, to mother, Dorothy Solesbee, and father, Marvin Granville Gray, Sr. Being born into a military family, Marvin had a global childhood growing up in many worldwide ports everywhere from NYC to the Panama Canal Zone, before settling in Charleston, SC, where he called home. It was in Charleston where he met his loving wife of 54 years, Dr. Sandra Lowry Gray. He’s a graduate of Charleston Southern University where he studied business administration and launched into the family oil business. Marvin proceeded to obtain his Master’s degree at South Carolina State in Clinical Counseling and Rehabilitation, focusing on neuro-disabilities. He was gifted with many talents and spent his early years owning and operating an oil business, working in higher education administration, and pouring into our community’s youth as a school teacher and administrator. However, his ministry was in clinical restoration with children and adults with neuro-cognitive impairments. He served many years as Clinical Director of the Tribble Center in Seneca, SC.
Marvin loved his community and treated everyone like family. He had a servant’s heart and worked as a SC State Constable for 45 years, most recently working security in the Clemson University Football locker room. He was adored by all the players, offering them encouragement, wisdom, and support. He was a father to all and demonstrated 1 Corinthians 13 to all he encountered. He was known by his Charlestonian Fashion style coupled with his bright orange Nike high-top sneakers. He loved a good outfit but loved to share the gospel even more.
He poured his life into the community. He led Boy Scout Troup 219, was a Church Youth Leader, and Sunday School Teacher, and was a seasoned chaperone for the Seneca High Honor’s Chorale. He served on City Council for 6 terms, sat on the Appalachian Council of Governments, and held the esteemed position as a member of the SC Electoral College. He continued serving the community until his death as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Seneca. In addition, one of his greatest pleasures was being a member of the Seneca Rotary Club for over 45 years, serving 2 terms as president. But his greatest love was his church, Seneca Baptist Church, where he was a walking testimony sharing God’s many blessings and miracles with all those he encountered. Marvin loved God first and never missed an opportunity to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus.
Marvin always maintained his global appetite for travel and adventure, hang-gliding with his sons shortly after quintuple bypass surgery, traveling to visit his daughter Sunday in Europe and Susan in Hawaii. His life was his family and his grandchildren with whom he showered upon unconditional love and unwavering support.
One of Marvin’s favorite quotes was “Life is a brief span between two eternities,” and he was a perfect example of living his life with his eyes on God’s Kingdom. We celebrate his eternal life through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, where he is now re-united with his two sons, Michael Granville Gray and Peter Brock Gray. He is survived by his wife Dr. Sandra Gray, son Dr. Samuel Gray (Heather), daughter Sunday Gray (Henry) and Dr. Susan Hurley (Jacob), many nieces and nephews, his sister, Deborah Gray Enfinger (Paul) and 13 beautiful grandchildren. His legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of all those he encountered across the world. He was a true example of Christ’s love in us. To be absent in the body is to present with the Lord.
Please join us in a celebration of Marvin’s life at Seneca Baptist Church on Friday, March 8th, 2024. The receiving of friends will begin at 12:00 pm with the funeral service at 1:00 pm, followed by a burial service at Ramsey Creek Preserve. We rejoice in the fact that Marvin is alive in Christ and take great comfort in knowing that to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com