Larry Darnell Gray, departed this life on February 12, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on October 7, 1951, in Adel, to the late Lee Gray Sr. and Daisy Gray, Larry lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear.

Larry was the cornerstone of his family — a devoted husband, caring brother, proud uncle, loyal friend, and a father figure to many. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to ensure his family was provided for, never complaining and never seeking recognition. His strength was quiet, his love was steady, and his commitment never wavered.

After attending Bridgeton Public Schools, Larry answered the call to serve his country. He proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and transferred to United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably for 2 years. During his tenure, he served as a rifleman and later as a proof director of small arms, demonstrating discipline, precision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In recognition of his faithful service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Marksman Rifle Badge. The principles of honor, courage, and commitment that defined his military service remained evident throughout his life.

In 1991, Larry and his dear friend Lawrence Brown founded Tri-County Weatherization. Later, he stepped out on faith to establish his own carpentry business. Gifted with his hands and blessed with remarkable skill, Larry could build almost anything. From ramps and decks to kitchen cabinets and flooring, if someone needed help, Larry was there. His craftsmanship wasn’t just about wood and nails — it was about creating something lasting for others.

Larry was a faithful servant of God. For many years, he was a dedicated member of Kingdom Covenant Christian Center in Vineland, where he served as a deacon and usher, often walking members to their cars with the same care he showed in every area of his life. Later, at Newtonville Seventhday Adventist Church in Newtonville, he continued his service as a deacon. He cherished the fellowship of his church family. His warm smile, playful humor, and gentle spirit made him someone everyone gravitated toward.

In November 2011, Larry married the love of his life, Elaine Duncan. Their love was pure, visible, and inspiring. Larry often said how much he “adored his wife,” and he meant it with his whole heart. They were true partners, best friends, and an example of what a loving marriage looks like.

In the early 2000s, he worked as a driver for The Kintock Group before eventually retiring. But “retirement” was simply a new chapter of service. For many years, Larry poured his heart into serving children through King’s Kids Daycare, a ministry of Kingdom Covenant Christian Center in Vineland, New Jersey. Later, at Golden Gate Child Care Development Center in Vineland, he faithfully opened and closed the school each day, often arriving before the sun rose and leaving long after the day had ended, simply to ensure the children were safe.

In 2017, he became Supervisor of the Grandparents Association, continuing his quiet commitment to uplifting young lives. For 12 years, he also served as a devoted volunteer with the AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent Program. While his official title was “Foster Grandparent,” to the children he was lovingly known as both “Grandpop” and “Pop-Pop.” Those names meant everything to him.

He was more than a volunteer or staff member — he was a steady presence, a gentle encourager, a warm hug on hard mornings, and a reassuring smile that made children feel safe and seen. He celebrated their small victories, wiped away their tears, and gave them the kind of patient, unconditional love that leaves a lifelong imprint. In 2025, he was honored as a New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Award Honoree for NJ National Service Programs — a recognition that simply affirmed what the children and families already knew: his service was love in action.

When he retired, the overwhelming outpouring of gratitude and affection made it clear that he had not simply worked there — he had become family. The depth of how much he is missed cannot be measured. In November 2025 Larry and Elaine made plans to relocate to Florida in January with their beloved daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Tony Heath.

In December 2025, Larry’s illness took a turn for the worse. During that time, Tina devoted countless days to ensuring he was not only cared for, but comfortable in whatever condition he faced. Honoring his wishes, she lovingly navigated and managed his care from hundreds of miles away, advocating for him every step of the way. Her dedication was a reflection of the deep love she had for both her parents. When traveling back and forth to Florida, Tina thoughtfully arranged for family and friends to assist with his care, and each of them stands as a testament to the compassion and support that surrounded him during his final days.

Though Larry’s earthly plans were not fulfilled, we trust that God’s plan was greater.

Larry leaves behind to cherish his beautiful memory his loving and devoted wife, Elaine Duncan-Gray; his daughter, Tina Heath (Tony) of Boynton Beach, Florida; his brother, James Gray of Sweden; his sister-inlaw, Rosalie Gray; his cherished friends Lawrence Brown, Ernest Robinson, and Louis Hayes and his granddaughter, Gabbi Robins.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Gray and Lee Gray; his sister, Laura Brown; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Larry’s life was not measured by wealth or titles, but by the countless lives he touched. His hands built many things, but his heart built something even greater — love, stability, laughter, and faith within everyone blessed to know him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.