Albert Grey (1-10-13) service 1-17-13

Albert Grey

Mr. Albert Leon Grey, resident of Benton Harbor, Mich., formerly of Whiteville, Tenn., and of Savannah, U.S. Navy veteran, departed this life Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 10, at the age of 81 years old.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 17, at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar’s Main Chapel with Bill Sorrell officiating. Interment followed in Crowder Cemetery in Whiteville.

Leon was born July 13, 1931, to the late Albert and Lizzie Grey in Hardin County. He wed the former Vera Mae Hunt on March 23, 1952, who preceded him in death in 1987. Leon received his education from the Hardin County school system and was a graduate of Hardin County High School in Savannah. Leon also served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War period, serving both aboard the U.S.S. Antares and also at the Millington Naval Station, among others.

Leon worked within the insurance field, both with Home Beneficial Life Insurance Company and later with Woodmen of the World. He was also the former owner/operator of T & G Trading Post in Somerville, Tenn., and also served on the Whiteville Police Department, including as police chief for several years. Leon moved his family from Savannah to Whiteville in 1967, where he lived for over 20 years before he was re-married to the former Melody Holt. Leon moved to Benton Harbor, Mich., around 1988 where he lived until his death.

Leon was a devoted member early in his life to Double Springs Baptist Church in Hardin County, and later in Whiteville at First Baptist Church, where he served many years as a deacon. He will be remembered as a dedicated Christian, a devoted father and husband, and someone who cared about others before himself.

Leon is survived by his wife, Melody Grey; two sons from his marriage to Vera Mae Grey, Michael Leon Grey and William Mark Grey of Whiteville; two step sons, Jerry David Hunt and Danny Gene Hunt of Savannah; two sisters, Lucille Lard and Ruby Hayes of Savannah; and also a half-sister, Jo Pickens of Savannah. Leon has three granddaughters, Jansen Grey, Callie Grey, and Vera Katherine "Katie" Grey, and one grandson, Michael Zachary Grey.

Memorials may be sent to Whiteville First Baptist Church.