George Adrian Gray, age 80 of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday (9/10/2025) at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.   He was born in Wilmington, NC, son of the late Joseph Albert Gray Sr. and Velma Mae Cooper Gray.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Joseph A. "Buddy" Gray Jr.; wife, Charlene Gray; and children, Dee Byrd and Jay Hill.  George was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and worked for many years as a commercial electrician.  He enjoyed playing golf, NASCAR races, playing softball and bowling.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling to the coast, spending summers at the Chesapeake Bay and sharing a good meal with friends.  He was a longtime member of Sanford Moose Lodge No. 386 where he served as a lodge governor. He served as a Boy Scout Pack Leader with his son Jay, and also was a boy scout himself and was working on an Eagle Scout Badge, before enlisting in the United States Air Force.   He was a family man, and spending time with his wife, children and grand-children, brought him many hours of joy.  He was a friend to many and will be missed by all that knew and loved him.  Please join us in celebration of George's life at Wild Rock Farm, 153 Wildlife Road Sanford, NC 27332, on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 from 3pm-6:30pm for sharing memories and stories, fellowship, photos and George's favorite foods.  Children are welcome and weather permitting, please bring an outdoor chair.  In lieu of flowers, George would have loved and appreciated wild bird seed or donations made in his name to Victory Junction,  4500 Adam's Way | Randleman, NC 27317 | 336-498-9055  He is survived by his wife, Judith Womack Gray of the home; daughter, Tonya Gray Young (Clarence) of Broadway, NC; sons, Jake King (Liz) of Sanford, NC and Dex King (Mariah) of Durham, NC; sisters, Margaret Gray Eason (Graham)  of Wilmington, NC and Doris Gray Connell (Jerry) of Lakeland, Fla; son-in-law, Eddie Byrd of Broadway, NC; grandchildren, Wayne Moore (Evonne), Savannah Campbell (Levi), Merritt King, Caden King, Darcy King, Julian King, Robert Sloan (Chelsea), Danielle Sloan (Taylor), Amanda Bradford (Josh), David Byrd (Kaila), John William Hill III, Phoenix Hill, Leif Hill and nine great-grandchildren.   Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com.  Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.