ANTHONY GRAY

Highlights of Anthony’s Life

Anthony Gray was born on November 10, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Clyde L. Gray and Henrietta Marie Taylor Gray. He was the third of ten children. At a young age, Anthony professed a hope in and gave his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis by Reverand James R. Bradley, Sr.

Anthony was educated in the Indianapolis Public Schools system. Upon graduation from George Washington High School, Tony enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in Oceanside, California, and traveled to places such as Korea, Japan, and other distant lands.

After enlistment, Tony returned stateside for civilian life. He began employment at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis as a member of the shipping and receiving team. Because of Tony’s leadership capabilities, he was promoted to the manager of the team. His employment there spanned over 20 years. During his time at St. Vincent, Tony met the love of his life, JoAnn Suggs. After ten years of dragging his feet, he finally asked JoAnn to spend forever with him, and they were married on September 22, 1990. They have been in love and inseparable for almost 45 years!

Upon retiring from St. Vincent, Tony began studying Martial Arts. He was a Fifth Degree Black Belt, training under Sensei Herb Johnson and Sensei Phil Morgan. He competed nationwide and won numerous championships, trophies (some as tall as him), recognition, and awards. Tony then began training others and opened his own Dojo, USA Karate. Many students called him Sensei and learned incredible skills from him. Tony also taught Self-Defense classes, including the weekly class at First Baptist Church.

Tony enjoyed playing golf after his basketball days ended. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of the 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club, where he was on the security team. Tony was an avid Bid Whist and Spades player and often partnered with and against family for fun competition. He liked to hunt and was a great outdoorsman. Tony was the owner of two horses, Clyde and Grayman, that he allowed everyone from children, family, friends, and neighbors, to church summer camp participants to ride. One of his favorite things was inspiring youth, and he used his horses in this endeavor.

Anthony answered the call to his Heavenly Father on June 19, 2025, at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Peter L. Gray.

Anthony will forever be loved by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Toni Hardister; and son, Anthony Gray, II (Sionna). Grandpa will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Destiny, Trent, Amani, Ishra, Buddahkari, and grandson Jabari, who is on the way. Memories of Tony will also be cherished by his sisters, Marie Highbaugh and Sonja M. Gray, as well as his brothers, Tommie R., Vernon E., Clyde L. (Antoinette), Curtis (LaShaun), Alfred T. (Angela), and Ten Jon M. (Kimberly). Uncle Tony was also very loved by a great host of nieces and nephews, along with cousins, extended family, friends, and his best friend and running buddy, Bobby Brown.

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