SHELBY - Kenneth Ray Grayson, 85, died July 6, 2016, at White Oak Manor in Shelby. A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late John Avery and Janet Oveda Price Grayson.
He served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a founding member of Westwood Heights Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and taught the Men's Sunday school class.
Ken grew up in Dover Mill village, was an Eagle Scout, and received his bachelor's degree from Gardner Webb University, where he played both baseball and football. He continued his education by earning his master's in education administration from Appalachian State University and then taught in the Cleveland County School System for 32 years, spending more than 26 years at Shelby High School. Ken also worked part-time for 35 years at Cleveland Community College.
Known for his generous spirit and friendly smile, Ken spent the majority of his later years visiting the sick at the hospital, taking friends to the doctor, and delivering food and medicine to the homebound. He served on a community quality control committee that assessed local nursing homes and assisted living centers for the State of North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Ted Ervin Grayson, also of Shelby.
Ken was a wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and dear friend to many. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Helen Philbeck Grayson; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Scruggs Grayson; two sons, Kevin Ray Grayson and wife, Anita of Shelby and Brent Avery Grayson and wife, Lynn of Charlotte, NC; and five grandsons, Kendall Grayson and Elliott Grayson of Shelby; Avery Grayson, Andrew Grayson and Owen Grayson of Charlotte, NC.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, July 8 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, Shelby, NC.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 9, at Westwood Heights Baptist Church, with the Reverend David Costner and Reverend Jimmy Black officiating.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150 or Westwood Heights Baptist Church, 650 Dellinger Rd., Shelby, NC 28152.
Arrangements by Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.
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