COURTLAND — James Carlton Gray, 78, passed away on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Southampton County he was a son of the late James Clyde Gray and Cozy Drake Gray, and was also predeceased by a brother, Reginald Gray.

James was a member of Courtland Baptist Church, worked at the Newport News Shipyard for 20 years and 25 years at Union Camp Corporation where he was known by many there as “Mamma Jamma” and “The Peanut Man.”

He was a member of the Virginia National Guard.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and cherished his time with his wife at Myrtle Beach.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Beth Jordan Gray; a daughter, Mendy Gray; a son, James Carlton “Carl” Gray Jr (Shari); a brother, Melvin Gray (Barbara); two fun-loving grandsons, Storm Gray and friend (Michaela Pulley) and Colby Gray; a sister-in-law, Louise J. Harrup (John Robert); a brother-in-law, Joe Jordan, Jr. (Barbara); and special nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thanks to the hospice group.

The funeral service was at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, in Wright Funeral Home with Dr. Robert Carpenter and the Rev. Hoyle Green officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Courtland Baptist Church WMU (Missions). www.wrightfuneralhome.org.