Preston Randall Gray Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Preston Randall Gray, Jr., age 77, of Jacksonville, Alabama, passed away December 3, 2020 at Stringfellow Memorial Hospital in Anniston, Alabama. Preston was born in New York City to Lillian and Preston Sr., and was raised with his sisters Leanore and Emily. His parents and sisters taught him many things growing up, including the love of family, a great sense of humor, an appreciation for music, a thirst for knowledge, and a strong moral compass. Preston attended Lehigh University where he majored in physics, played the trombone in the marching band, and rooted on the wrestling team. He furthered his education by getting a Masters in Physics from Carnegie Mellon, and also obtained his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. It was in Pittsburgh that Preston met the love of his life, Janet. They began a wonderful relationship that led to 53 years of marriage. They had two children, Jeffrey and Matthew. Preston embraced his wife’s passion, supported her dreams, and respected her wisdom. Preston was also blessed to be survived by four grandchildren, Samantha, Cameron, Tanner, and Nolan. In Pittsburgh, Preston also began a nearly 40-year career with Westinghouse that went from Pennsylvania to Idaho to California and then finally to Alabama. He was instrumental in a number of government projects related to nuclear science. He was the Project Manager for Westinghouse when they won a nine-year, $575 million Department of Defense contract to destroy chemical weapons at the Anniston Army Depot. His affinity for the Jacksonville and Anniston community led him to run for Alabama State Senate District 12 in 2002, but he lost to Del Marsh. Any tribute to Preston has to include his nearly unrivaled passion for sports. He loved to see greatness, no matter the sport, men’s or women’s. He grew up a loyal Brooklyn Dodgers fan with love and admiration for greats Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, and Sandy Koufax. He and Janet had season tickets for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 to 1983, and reveled in the accomplishments of the Steel Curtain. During his time in Alabama, he intensely followed the University of Alabama, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Atlanta Braves. Above all, he particularly enjoyed watching his two sons compete in sports, whether it was watching Jeff make a great play in centerfield or Matt make a clutch three-point shot. In spite of a demanding career, Preston always found time to attend every one of his son’s games. And, he was always available for a phone call to laugh, cheer or argue about what just happened in some game that was on television. Preston and Janet loved animals and dedicated a good amount of time to breeding and showing dogs. The two of them spent many weekends traveling to dog shows and enjoying the numerous friends they made and kept in their dog world through the years. Preston also loved puzzles. He often would work the New York Times’ crossword while listening to some game on the radio or television. Those that worked with or for Preston would appreciate and remember how much he loved to solve a problem. His fatherly advice to his kids was rarely from place of “do as I say because I said it”, but rather teaching his kids how to solve the problem and to do what was right because it was the right answer. Preston’s love for family extended beyond his wife and two kids. He particularly enjoyed spending every Thanksgiving with the family of his brother-in-law, William Needs, and this included his wife Kathy, and Allison, Daniel, Andrew, Kyle, Priya, Jack, Emma, and Dylan. Preston celebrated their achievements, appreciated their love, and was proud to know them, listen to them, and be with them. In particular, Preston had known William for more than 50 years, and their relationship was a true celebration. They enjoyed great music together and spent a lifetime learning from each other. It’s also worth noting the fierce but friendly competitions Preston had with Bill’s family, including games of Sequence, Stratego, fantasy football, and Trivial Pursuit. Preston’s Alabama family grew in 2008 when his son Matt married Kristen Folmar. Preston loved Kristen like she was his own daughter, and somehow managed to forgive her for being an Auburn fan/grad. Kristen’s family includes her parents Rod and Janice, and Michelle, Lynn, Chris, Elizabeth, A.J., Jake, Katie, Julia, Ava, Emma Kate, Charles, and Prima. Preston was honored to share Matt and Kris’ marriage with Rod and Janice and was thankful for their love and the good times they enjoyed. Preston also loved and admired the families of his two sisters. Emily’s family lives in New York and includes husband Paul, and David, Daniel, Andrew, and Lauren. Leonore’s family lives in California and includes husband Kelly, and Steven, Susan, Nancy, and Betsy. To all of Emily and Leonore’s families, please remember how much joy he took in what you did, how you lived, and how you loved him. He had a big laugh, and he used it plenty when you regaled him with your humor. Memorial services for Preston will be held at a future date to be determined when family and friends will be able to join together. If you would like more information, please email Matthew Gray at mgray19@yahoo.com. Lastly, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, and you can reach them at www.alz.org.

Preston Randall Gray

August 13, 1943 - December 3, 2020