Piedmont, SC - Romulus "Ronnie" Oren Gray, age 85, of Piedmont, SC, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Born in Valdosta, GA, he came into this world as a beloved son of the late Romulus Ralph Gray and Eldora Wisenbaker Gray. Ronnie led a remarkable life defined by his dedication to God, family, service, and engineering excellence. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force, where his exceptional mathematical skills contributed to mapping recovery plans for the Apollo astronauts.

In 1984, he founded Gray Engineering Consultants, leaving an indelible mark on the Upstate and the engineering community. Ronnie first attended Calvary Baptist Church in Spartanburg, where he became the youngest deacon in the church's history at just 27 years old. He later spent 53 years with New Hope Baptist Church in Mauldin, faithfully serving as a deacon for most of that time. In his later years, Ronnie became a devoted member of Rehoboth Baptist Church, where he remained active in fellowship and deeply loved by his church family.

Ronnie is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Joyce Winser Gray; their two sons, Rodney E. Gray (Gail) and Jeffery R. Gray (Alana), and their cherished grandchildren, Carli McNamara (John), Cameron Brooks, Logan Gray-Snyder (Matthew), Alexander Gray, Adam Gray, Morgan Gray, Mallory Gray, Cole Holliday, and Luke Holliday. He also leaves behind his two great-grandchildren, John Carter McNamara and Coleman McNamara; as well as his former son-in-law, Bobby Brooks; and former daughter-in-law, Deborah Graham.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Marie Gray; and his brother, Donnie Ray Gray.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 07, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. The funeral service will be Saturday, November 8th at 11:30 a.m. at Rehoboth Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Rehoboth Baptist Church, 1619 Old Pelzer Rd. Piedmont, SC 29673 or New Creations Counseling Center, P.O. Box 9416, Greenville, SC 29604.

Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.