Berryville, VA, The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF) is proud to announce a new scholarship in memory of Ray A. Gray started by his son, Jerome Gray and family.
The family shares, “This scholarship is in loving memory of Ray A. Gray. Our dad was born December 25, 1929, and moved to Berryville when he was 4 years old. He spent most of his childhood living on farms in the area and grew up during a time with uncertain circumstances most people today wouldn’t understand or survive. Our society doesn’t make men like him anymore. He never complained or felt envious because of what didn’t have. Instead, he put his head down and worked through it. I remember stories that he told us growing up detailing how he would place his feet underneath cows in the barn on cold nights because he had no coat or shoes. Despite only going to school through the 4th grade, his education was living and surviving life as each new obstacle arose.
He married the love of his life Shirley Barb on April 12th, 1952. He grew up without knowing his father but became the greatest father any three kids could ever ask for. I will always remember how his hands felt of sandpaper from how hard he worked for us. He first became a carpenter and builder for Bob Hummer Construction, and then in the mid 70’s started his own business. Through his career he touched many of the old homes in Clarke County. One of his coolest projects to me is the Academy Ct. subdivision, as he was a major part of constructing those homes. While I cannot confirm this, it must have been one of the first subdivisions in Clarke County. (Click Here!)
Ray’s infectious smile and bright eyes will be forever imbedded in the memory of his family and anyone that was lucky enough to know him. Ray told his children to “leave things better than you found them” and he certainly did that with his time here with us. He has left a loving and lasting impact on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Our hope is that this scholarship will find a young man or woman that wouldn’t necessarily apply for scholarships for academic reasons, but because they have the work ethic and drive to become a tradesman and/or have their own business one day.
We love you, Dad!
Jerome Gray and Family”
We are so thankful to the Gray family who is honoring their dad’s memory in this special way. Students in the class of 2023 will be the first class eligible for this award. For more information regarding the Ray A. Gray Trades Scholarship, to donate to this fund or information regarding the CCEF, please contact Beth Williams, Clarke County Education Foundation Executive Director, at 540-955-6103 or ccefinc.berryville@gmail.com or donate online by visiting: https://ccefinc.org/donate/
