In true NASCAR fashion, Jerry Claude Gray, Sr. raced through life with the same passion and excitement that defines the sport he cherished. From the roar of the engines to the thrill of the finish line, he lived each year as a cherished race marked by memories with those he loved. Jerry served in the United States Air Force where he spent time in Vietnam. He was a master craftsman and spent much of his life in the construction industry, rounding out his career as a building inspector for the City of Cabot. He loved being outdoors and spent much of his time hunting and fishing. More than anything, he loved the time spent with his grandchildren, and he cherished his time with them.

Jerry was born January 31, 1954 in Columbia, South Carolina.  He was raised in Marrietta, Georgia, but had been a resident of Cabot, Arkansas for 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Claude Gray and Francis Lavonda Brown. Jerry left behind his wife of 40 years, Vicki Gray; four children, Mark Andrews (Kim), Stacey Pipkins (Arlen), Stephanie Hart (Chad), and Jerrod Gray (Lauren); nine grandchildren, Emilee Key (Garrett), Grayson Phillips (Gianna), Cade Hart, Olivia Andrews, Callie Cash (Jacob), Wyatt Andrews, Gavin Hart, Madalynn Gray, and Mason Gray; and three great granddaughters, Laila Key, Emma Key, and Lakelyn Phillips. He is also survived by his sister, Cathy Smith and two brothers, Tony (Joy) and Mark (Janet) Gray; along with many nieces and nephews.

He found comfort in knowing his place for eternity is in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. While he will be missed here on earth by those that held him dear, he took the checkered flag on November 4, 2024 and is now celebrating in Victory Lane.

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Lifeline Fellowship Church in Cabot, Arkansas. Visitation with his family will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Flowers may be sent to Moore's Cabot Funeral Home in Cabot, 501-843-5816.