Bob Gray

James Robert “Bob” Gray, age 90, of Columbus, MS, passed away December 6, 2019, at his daughter’s residence.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at 3:00 PM at Memorial Gunter Peel Chapel 903 College St. location with Rev. Charlie Whitney officiating.  The interment will immediately follow at Friendship Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until the time of the service.

Mr. Gray was born October 8, 1929, in Columbus, MS, to the late James Meek and May Land Gray.  Mr. Gray was particularly known for his love of the railroad.  After his retirement, he became involved in the Live Steamer railroad clubs and built several engines and rail cars to perfect scale.  He was a very talented craftsman and a “walking history book” of the Columbus and Greenville Railroad.  He loved to share his knowledge with anyone that was interested in railroad information.  He was a life member of the Mid-South Live Steamers, the Southwestern Live Steamers, and the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad Clubs.  The Annetta Valley & Western Railroad Club named the Rail Yard in honor of Bob.  He served as a railroad consultant on the movie “Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou” which was released in 2000.  Bob was riding in the cab of the steam locomotive while the scene was shot in the opening of the movie.

The #503 caboose in the Propst Park in Columbus, MS, was also named in Bob’s honor for his research information and donation of railroad memorabilia given to the park.  Mr. Gray was a member of Fairview Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Tucker Gray.

Survivors include his daughters, Betty Miller and her husband Don of Steens, MS, Jane Blake and her husband Stacey of Gilbert, AZ, grandchildren, Brad Yates and his wife Elizabeth of Steens, MS, Ashley Blake of Gilbert, AZ, Garrett Blake of Gilbert, AZ, and Patrick Blake and his wife Jennifer of Chandler, AZ, and great grandson, Bayn Yates.

Pallbearers will be Brad Yates, Don Miller, Kenny Sheffield, Terry Shirley, Paul King, Paul Guerry, and Bayn Yates.

Memorials may be made to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS, 39703 .