Clarence A. Gray

The youngest of nine children, Clarence A. Gray Sr. was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in September 1945, at the same time his brother Ridgley was stationed overseas. Returning to his base after a visit home to Lakeland for the Labor Day weekend, Private Gray wrote to his brother: “The war is over, and if you are like me, you are glad knowing everybody will be going home shortly. I have more training to go….I don’t know where then. I hope home.” Clarence and Christine Gray reared thirteen children in Lakeland.

Front Harry Braxton, Billy Matthews, Rear Clarence Gray, Jessy, al, Bernard brooks, George Henry

Through the early 1970s, the home was the center of extended-family festivities, including Christmas dinners and Fourth of July fireworks. Pictured are, left to right, Barnett, Mildred holding Lester, Linda, DeWana, Myron, Jean holding Cheryl, and Clarence Jr. By 1954, this branch of the Gray family tree also included Tanya, Zandra, James, and Benay.

Mr. Gray wrote home to his family in Lakeland during his US Army service