Henry L. Gray

Henry Lee Gray was born on October 15, 1948, in Clarksville Tennessee to the union of Herbert Sr., and Bernice Phelps Gray. From an early age, he exhibited a sense of style, a brilliant mind and a charismatic personality that could light up any room he entered.

He was baptized at a young age at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksville Tennessee.

Henry Lee was educated in the Clarksville-Montgomery County school system, graduating from the Historic Burt High School in 1967. He also attended Austin Peay State University.

His passion for learning extended beyond the classroom, as he was always seeking new experiences and striving for personal growth. He was a self-taught, mechanic, plumber, and electrician, thus, earning him the moniker ‘jack of all trades’ and being the neighborhood fix it guy.

In the early 1970’s, Henry moved to Indianapolis to be closer to his beloved aunt, Katie Mae Stacker. In 1982 he met the love of his life, Carolyn Whitfield. They married in 1988, and together they built a lifetime of precious memories.

A dedicated and hardworking man, he spent his professional career at various companies including, Magnavox, Western Electric, the U.S. Postal Service. He was also employed at Milestone Construction where he worked diligently and eventually retired, after many years of service.

Henry had an array of interests including playing basketball and softball. He was also a great grill master, serving the best barbecue ribs on this side of Heaven.

On Sunday August 13, 2023, after an extended illness, Henry departed from his worn, earthly temple.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his soulmate and wife of thirty-one years, Carolyn W. Gray, siblings Flora Clark and Herbert, Jr.

He leaves to celebrate his life daughters: Deborah (Lawrence) Godfrey, Paula Akers, Cheryl Whitfield, Michelle Akers, son: Stacy Harris , grandchildren: Brittney Godfrey, Colby Humphrey, Lauria Bonds, Dedrick Paris, Robert Day, Jr., Diamond Day, Tiyler Fagan, J’Shawn Washington, great grandchildren: Lamarr Godfrey, Giovanni Day, Kaleb Day, nephews: Anthony Gray, Derrick Gray, niece: Tonya Duncan, brother in law: Lamont (Vivian) Scott, sister in law: Marca (Cookie) Combs, loyal companion and caregiver: Geraldine Shaffer, devoted lifelong friend Jim Long, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Henry will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Gray family.