Elliott Gray Jr.

Elliot Gray Jr. affectionately known as Buster, Big Bus, Lil’ Bus, Dad, Poppa, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut, while surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of sixty-four years to the late Louise Carolyn Amaker Gray. Born in Tillman, South Carolina on August 29, 1934. Buster was the son of the late Elliot “Big Bus” Gray Sr., and the late Eunice Mitchell Gray. Educated in Ridgeland, South Carolina, Mr. Gray moved to Stamford, Connecticut in 1952. He joined the United States Army and he proudly shared with us that he went through basic training with Rosie Greer. After Basic, he joined the US Army Softball Team. A leg break ended his military career. He was gainfully employed with several companies including Polycast, and the Stamford Board of Education from which he retired. He also played on many softball teams in Connecticut and Westchester, New York, including the Polycast Softball Team, The Zircon Softball Team, Stamford Board of Education Softball and Hook Raiders, which the teams’ colors were red, black, green and more importantly, the Buster Gray Allstars (1962). Buster had earned a reputation as being a “cross handed hitter,” and would constantly hit home runs, the two local baseball fields, they decided to install fences. Buster was an active league bowler, along with his and several family friends at the White Plains Bowling Alley and Ten Pin Bowling in Stamford, Connecticut. Buster was very passionate about working with the youth of Stamford. He managed night gym at Cloonan Middle School and the South End Community Center. Someone affectionately called Buster, the “Community Dad”. He truly touched the hearts of multiple people in the Stamford community. Buster loved his family, and truly enjoyed his grand-and great-grandchildren. One of his favorite past times was cooking, whether it was okra stew, grits mixed with eggs, or frying turkeys for the holidays. Mr. Gray is preceded in death by his wife Louise Amaker Gray, parents, Elliot and Eunice Gray, son Michael Monk, daughter, Allison Beth Gray and adopted son Curtis Tinnin. Left to cherish memories are his daughter; Diahann Carol Gray, son; Elliot Gray III, grandchildren; Terrance Jamalh Gray, Channell Ramsey, Jaide Ramsey, Tashaya Annete Gray (Clark Allen), Shamoan Halmon, Monee T. Johnson, Janee Diahann Baytops, Marc Anthony Johnson Jr., and Diamond Gray, great grandchildren; Davon (Chico) Tomlin, Jhi’ayre Ramsey, Jashi Doctor, Kyla Robinson, Logan Doctor, Madison Speights and Gia Speights, and one great-great granddaughter Ry’lei Tomlin and goddaughter Jazzmine Tzul-Lopez. Additionally, he is also survived by one adopted son, David Fields and also survived by special friends John Robinson, Kevin Young, Eugene Boyd, Chris Long, Darryl Reynolds, Wimley and Jacqueline Jimenez Moore and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday May 8. 2023 from 4:00PM - 6:00PM followed by a service of celebration at 6:00PM at Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave. Stamford, CT. Service will be streamed via Bethel AME Church website. Interment will be private.

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Elliott Gray Jr.

August 29, 1934 - May 2, 2023