Andrew Benjamin Gray Jr.

ANDREW BENJAMIN GRAY JR. On Friday, January 19, 2018, at his home in Clinton, Maryland, Our Heavenly Father, called Andrew Benjamin Gray Jr. from his labor, to his rich reward in heaven. Andrew Benjamin Gray Jr. was born in Charleston S.C., August 12, 1937. He was the eldest son of six children to the late Andrew Benjamin Roosevelt Blackish Gray Sr. and Martha Katherine Campbell Gray. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1957 then went on to graduate from Allen University at Columbia, S.C. in 1961, with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Shortly afterwards Andrew was drafted into the United States Army and served 4 years in the military as a sharp shooter. His first child, Erika P. Gray, was born in New York City to his late ex-wife Silvia Greene where he worked as a Sports Instructor. Years later, he relocated to Washington D.C. where he met his current wife, Elayne. Andrew married Elayne under the eyes of God on September 20, 1969. In 1971, Andrew and Elayne welcomed their first son Andrew Benjamin III followed 5 years later by their second son Nathan Andre. Andrew dedicated 10 years as a playground instructor with the District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Center. Afterwards he worked as an afterschool program Director for Wheatley Elementary School in NE, Washington, D.C. He retired in 2016 from Center Care a portion of the Washington Center for Aging Services in Washington, D.C. where he worked as a supervisor and caretaker for patients. Andrew loved playing, watching and teaching sports. He was an instructor and coach of swimming, tennis, basketball, football, baseball and more. He enjoyed singing and was known for his smooth tenor voice. He was a member of the Allen University Glee Club where he performed at churches and other venues. He is survived by his devoted wife Elayne, one brother, Robert Gray, two sisters Andrianna Montgomery and Martha Lee Coaxum; one daughter Ericka two sons, Andrew and Nathan, two daughter-in laws Selena and Shaun, and six grand-children, Typhani, Jordyne, Andria, Andrew, Nayah and Natalie and a multitude of nieces and nephews. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Andrew Benjamin Gray Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.