Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1931
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Gray Obituary
March 7, 1931 - October 14, 2025
Beaufort, South Carolina - Richard Lee Gray, died October 14, 2025 at his residence after a short illness. Employees and customers at Grayco Hardware on Lady's Island have been well aware that the man who had been on hand to answer any question, fix any problem, and greet any customer was MIA and thus our hardware world has not been turning as it should have these past several weeks; his warm welcomes will now be consigned to our memories. Born in Port Royal, South Carolina in 1931 when Paris Avenue had 4 stores and 4 gas street lamps, Richard was one of the 8 Gray children, most of whom lived in the Carolina Lowcountry their entire lives. None loved their community more or worked harder to contribute to its growth and safe keeping than Richard.
Throughout their youth, the Gray boys were occupied finding jobs to make their way and support their family: selling snacks to recruits at the train depot, running errands, and taking care of lawns. In their twenties, Richard and his brother Don went to the docks to try shrimping until Richard landed a job at the Parris Island Exchange and discovered retail was much more in his line. He had a great eye for quality and value, and that asset led him to the deal of a lifetime when he stopped working long enough to catch Joyce Gross's eye and ask her to be his bride. Soon after the ask, they began their 63 very happy and fruitful years together.
Shortly after their wedding, Richard and Joyce went to their parents for $6500 of seed money so that he could open a small auto supply store, which was the first of Richard's many business ventures. In 1961 he expanded his operation and opened Beaufort Muffler and Auto Supply on Boundary Street. In the 70's he expanded again with hardware items and another store on Hilton Head. Always alert for new opportunities and ever ready to do the work necessary for success, Richard continued working and expanding throughout his long and productive life. At his death he leaves his family and his community seven thriving hardware, home furnishings, and lumber businesses employing 285 Low Country residents and the Richard Gray Family Foundation supporting many varied and worthy community endeavors.
Throughout his business life, Richard believed in providing a helping hand whenever he could: selling items on time payments when that was what the customer needed, assisting young entrepreneurs to get up and running, and developing properties for new businesses when that is what was needed to get things underway. He and Joyce never forgot what it was like to build from the ground up and always remembered that the community they loved so well was the source of their business successes. Thus, Richard tirelessly shared his work ethic and business acumen with numerous business and educational boards over the years.
Richard was predeceased by his parents Evie Magahee Gray and Harold Bogan Gray, Sr., his beloved wife Joyce, and his sister Barbara Ann Lubkin and brothers Harold Bogan Gray, Jr., George Donald Gray, James Marion (Sammy) Gray, and William John (Matsy) Gray. He is survived by his sister Margaret Elizabeth (Linda) Cross, his brother Roy Delano Gray, his four children: Caroline Gray Bevon, Suzanne Gray Wilkie, Richard Lee Gray Jr., and Herbert Gross Gray (Marjorie), and his nine grandchildren: John Patrick Bevon, Caroline Qualey Bevon, Chandler Allen Burns (Sarah), Richard Lee Gray Ill, Madeleine Benson Gray, Kate Lawson Gray, Hope Chandler Gray, Herbert Trask Gray, and Marjorie Leith Gray.
The service will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 1 pm at St. Helena's Parish Church followed by a reception at the Gray home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gray
Gloria and Tom Budge
October 26, 2025
A wonderful Southern Gentleman. Made us feel welcome as new comers to the low country..
We never missed conversation with him on our trip to the store. Our community lost a great friend.
thomas lane
October 26, 2025
We have lost a legend. Everyone else has said it for me so I'll just say that he was a true supporter of Beaufort and it's charities. Great donor to my Military of the Purple Heart Chapter and my CAPA Golf Classic. I will miss seeing him at the store. Blessings to his family.
Ellen Horn
October 22, 2025
We were saddened to hear of Mr. Gray´s passing. He was a fine and friendly gentleman. Our condolences to the family. Gary and Ellen Horn
John Steinacher
October 22, 2025
My Boss for 8 years. My friend and mentor for 25 years. Treated me like a son. I will always treasure the memories of my time with the Gray family. I love you all. My heart and prayers will be with you always
Lou Zeller
October 22, 2025
Richard was always there to greet me when I came to the store. He treated me like a long lost friend. He will be greatly missed.
Riley (Butch) Randall
October 21, 2025
He was a good to my father and me. I remember going to Beaufort Muffler and the machine shop in the back when I was young. He was very helpful to us. Currently shop at of all of his stores and will miss him very much.
Elizabeth Nash
October 21, 2025
My heart is broken knowing that the next time I step into Grayco, I won´t see the smiling face and warm welcome that always greeted me at the door. I truly loved seeing him and speaking with him each time I visited. His presence will be deeply missed. May God bless his family during this emotional and difficult time. He was a true treasure, and Beaufort was a better place for having him as its ambassador.
Tom Perkins
October 20, 2025
Richard was a true inspiration to me! Always with a smile and nice greetings!
Chris Jeselnik
October 19, 2025
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Gray's passing.
I also take comfort that I had the opportunity to meet and have conversations with him. That was a gift.
He will be missed.
Forrest Jones
October 19, 2025
I saw Mr Gray about a week before his death at his Lady's Island store. He was standing up front to greet customers when I walked in. I told him my name and he told me that recently my fathers name came up in a conversation with some men he was speaking with. We remenised for a few minutes, I shook his hand and said goodbye. He was always friendly to me and I had great respect for him. I was deeply saddened when my younger sister Beth Ann told me last night of his passing. I will miss his presence.
Dale Martin
October 18, 2025
A good, generous family and business gentleman will be sorely missed : Richard brought joy to many and we are ever grateful.
Stewart deWitt
October 18, 2025
When I was in Fripp Island Sea Rescue, Mr Gray was always there to give us financial help. Always in the hardware store to greet customers and I never failed to say hello to him. He will be sorely missed by both friends, family and fellow workers.
Alicia Cobb Miller
October 18, 2025
May The Angels Lead You Into Paradise
Robert L.
October 17, 2025
Mr, Gray was one of the first people I met when I moved to Beaufort four years ago. Such an amazing gentleman. Beaufort lost a legend.
George Judd
October 17, 2025
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Gray. Richard Sr left a fantastic legacy. In my many years of working with Sr. I was always impressed by his honesty, Integrity and Intelligence. Sr will be greatly missed. My Condolences to the Gray family.
Renee Shawn Clement
October 17, 2025
What a classy, courtly, Southern gentleman. I will miss seeing Mr. Gray at the entrance of the Grayco store, offering his assistance to all. I am sure his co-workers will miss his presence at the store. My condolences to his family and friends.
Aaron chipman
October 17, 2025
Mr Gray was always a pleasent man to talk to whenever I went to the hardware store. Everytime without fail id stand there and have a good 5-10 minute conversation with him. I will surly miss those conversations. My condolences to the Gray family.
Rhetta Brown
October 17, 2025
Wonderful man that always picked out his character clothes with intention. Quite generous with selfless service putting others needs above his own. I give God thanks for growing his heart large enough to touch so many of our lives. To God be the Glory! Family be encouraged as you entrust your cares to him.
Lisa Ramsey
October 16, 2025
A True gentle giant-One of a kind-And I know Ms.Joyce is beaming as well as Mr.Richard-they are rejoicing-They were wonderful example of Love and Family !!God Speed
Ryan Bradley
October 16, 2025
Will miss our conversations @ the store. My condolences to the family.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Gray's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Richard Gray
Funeral services provided by:
Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory611 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29906
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Gray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
