David W. Gray

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. – David W. Gray, 84, passed away on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

David was born on Feb. 28, 1942, in Augusta, Maine, to Frank and Myrtle Dearing. Following the passing of his father in 1942, David and his brother, Frank, were adopted by John Gray when they were young. He spent his life in Maine, Vermont, and South Carolina, while enjoying many winters in Florida.

He attended Ben Franklin University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Maine at Augusta. David proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966.

David enjoyed a distinguished career in retail and real estate. He served as General Manager of Porteous Department Store in Burlington, Vt., before following his passion for real estate as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman. Throughout his career, he was deeply involved in the profession, serving as Chairman of the Downtown Burlington Development Association, President of the Northwestern Vermont Association of Realtors, President of the Vermont Association of Realtors, and Director of the National Association of Realtors. He also served on numerous real estate committees, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the industry.

A devoted man of faith, David was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Simpsonville, S.C.

David found great joy on the water, especially sailing his beloved sailboat on Lake Champlain with family and friends. He loved entertaining, creating lasting memories around the table, and after retirement enjoyed daily walks, landscaping, and taking exceptional pride in maintaining his yard.

Above all, David will be remembered as a true gentleman. He was kind, gracious, generous with his time, and always willing to lend a helping hand. His integrity, warm smile, and quiet strength touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His love for his family and friends, his dedication to his profession, and the example he set through his life will be cherished and remembered always.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Pauline Gray; his daughter, Michelle Gray (Alan Lesage) of Simpsonville, S.C.; brother-in-law, Arthur F. Mosher Sr.; nieces and nephews, Robert “Bobby” Gray (Deborah) of Boonville, N.C., Debra Gray Allred (Jody) of Kernersville, N.C., Julie Gray Singleton (Tom) of Lexington, N.C., Wendy R. Morse (John) of Belmont, Lawrence F. Mosher (Denise) of Buckfield, and Arthur F. Mosher Jr. (Vicky) of Liberty; as well as great-nephew, Conner Singleton and great-niece, Rachel Singleton.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn David Gray; brother, Frank Gray and sister-in-law, Jessie Gray, of Winston-Salem, N.C., sister, Joyce Irene Mosher.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. David will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 16 at 1 p.m. in the M. J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, S.C.

Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting http://www.thomasmcafee.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in David’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring his compassionate spirit