Ellis Boyd Gray

Mr. Ellis Boyd Gray, 69, resident of Millbranch Road near Orangeburg, SC, died Thursday evening, July 30, 2026, at MUSC Health Orangeburg.

Born June 20, 1957, in the Hampton Hospital in Hampton County, Ellis was the son of Frances Louise Drawdy Gray and the late Boyd Copeland Gray. He worked many years in construction and retired from Sun Printing as a machine operator after several years of dedicated service. Raised in Fairfax, SC, as a small boy he was caught by his parents going down the street to sing in the local Methodist Church’s choir. . . since that time he developed a love of music which he carried with him the remainder of his life. Ellis became a talented musician who played in several bands such as “Unwound” in Hampton and even taught himself to play the guitar right-handed even though he was left-handed. Music was everything to Ellis.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, he will also be remembered for his love of telling stories. . . never forgetting a single detail. . . as well as his love for history and NASCAR racing. Ellis had the ability to make friends everywhere he went, never meeting a stranger. Most of all, he deeply loved his family.

Surviving in addition to his mother, Frances Drawdy Gray of Orangeburg, is his son, Josh Gray (Sabrina) of Orangeburg; his daughter, Kayla Crum of Orangeburg; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Natalee, Jessi, and Nicholas, and his sister, Linda Robinson (Russell) of Orangeburg. He is also survived by a special aunt, Annie Stanley of Hampton, and a special niece who helped to provide excellent care for him, Amanda Peeples (Dan) of Orangeburg. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who survive.

Ellis was predeceased by an infant sibling and his father, Boyd Copeland Gray.

Funeral Services will be 4 PM Sunday, August 2, 2026, in the Chapel of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Gilbert Linder. Burial will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 2:30 PM and last until the hour of the service at the funeral home located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Gray family during this time.