Edward Gray

Edward Gray, 83, of Spartanburg, SC died May 11, 2026, at home.

Edward is predeceased by his parents, Seymour and Anne Price Gray.

He is survived by his wife: Gwenneth Bernier, siblings: Harry (Judy) Gray and Amelia Casey, daughters: Beth (David) Averyt and Susan Gray, nieces and nephews: Les (Laura) Gray, Annie (Mark) Oberndorf, Dori (Charlie) McDarris and Sarah (Chip) Matejowsky, and granddaughters: Miriam, Eloise, Hennrietta, Amelia Ann, and Dorothy Averyt.

Family and friends are invited to the graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery, Friday, May 22nd at 10 am.

Repast to follow.

Edward Gray has been a fixture of Spartanburg for his entire life. He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1960 before attending college and earning a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering at NC State University. Having completed Marine Officers training at Quantico, he spent his time of service recovering from a broken hip (car accident) and could not be deployed. However, he felt it was his duty to serve and to be with his men, choosing to still deploy to Vietnam (as a Captain) once he recovered.

His tour of duty ended the day after the Tet Offensive began, but he chose to stay, even then, to be with his unit, who were tasked with securing the Air Base at Da Nang in Central Vietnam.

Upon his return, he was introduced to his future wife, Gwen, on a blind date in Woodridge, Virginia. They married in Exeter, New Hampshire on 8/25/1969. Under the GI Bill, he attended business school in Winston-Salem before working for Leeds and Northrup, selling engineering equipment all over the South. He did not enjoy the extensive travel (although it began his collection of paperback books) and took the opportunity in 1972 to join- and eventually take over- the family business: Kosch and Gray Jewelers, in Spartanburg, SC.

Known for his humor and kind heart, Edward’s career as jeweler was marked by 50 years of building community at 158 East Main Street. It was not uncommon for folks to stop by just for a joke!

Edward delighted in raising his daughters in Spartanburg, and marveled at his five granddaughters when they finally- but in rapid succession- arrived. A beloved brother, husband, father, and friend, Edward always had a joke, a kind word of encouragement, and for a time, a Tom Selleck mustache. He loved science, nature and learning, horror movies and Stephen King (although he couldn’t hurt a fly- taking great care to release any indoor bug or pest back outside). Brilliant and handy (he could fix just about anything), his wit and humor eased the many ups and downs of life. We could surely use him now! He will be missed