Dade County History Book

Gray, Walter D. & Eunice Moore

This Picture was made around 1934 or 1935. Pictured from left to right; First row-Walter, Eunice, Dollie, Audrey, Lincoln Second row-Ruth, Cleo, Ruby, & Inez Third row-Leonard, Allon, Woodrow, & Scott

Walter D. Gray (Feb. 24, 1881-Feb. 4, 1955) was the second of six children born to William H. Gray (1850-1931) and Sarah A. Stevens (1848-1930). He was the second generation of Gray’s to live in New Salem of Irish descent.

Eunice Winnie Gray (Dec. 22, 1884-July 24, 1943) was the daughter of Alex and Margaret (Echols) Moore. Her grandfather was Capt. George W. Echols who served in the Union Army.

Walter and Eunice were married Dec. 18, 1904 in the New Salem community. Their first home was made in, what is now known as the “Old Hawkins’s Place”. Three of their great grandchildren are now owners of this property. Eunice was known for her good deeds in the community. Walter was a landowner and did sawmilling and farming.

They were the parents of eleven children, of whom all made their home in the New Salem community except the oldest daughter Ruth. Ruth settled in Rossville, Ga. and lived there until her death.

Ruth – (Oct. 6, 1905-May 26, 1989) while working at a hosiery mill in Rossville, she met Turner Morrow. They were married Feb. 1, 1930. They were the parents of two daughters, Roberta and Ghanell.

Scott – (Nov. 12, 1906-Jan. 12, 1971) was a carpenter by trade. He married Esther Fulghum Nov. 17, 1929. They had seven children; Herscheline, Vonnie, Donald, Clara Jo, Dewitt, Legatha, and Elaine.

Allon – (Oct. 2, 1908-July 5, 1945) was a farmer and saw miller by trade. He married Grace Cox, Dec. 25, 1932. Allon died young, leaving Grace with four children to raise; Edwin, Julian, Jerry and Gladys. They had a son William, who died as an infant.

Cleo – (Aug. 3, 1910-Feb. 23, 1988) Married Carl Baker, Jan. 14, 1933. They were parents of four children; Granvel, Franklin, Louise and Winnie.

Ruby – (May 14, 1912-Sept 10, 1994) Married Joe Fulghum, Dec. 19, 1936. They had five children; Carolyn, Theola, Therel and Jackquelyn. A son Joseph Jr. died at birth.

Leonard – (Aug. 20, 1914) Met Ruby Hembree of Nantahala, N.C. while serving in the C.C.C.’s. They were married, Dec. 28, 1940.

Inez – (Sept. 17, 1916-July 9, 1994) Married Harold C. Moore, Dec. 23, 1933. They had three daughters; Bernadine, Alice and Blenda.

Woodrow – (Feb. 2, 1920) while serving in the C.C.C.’s in Bristol, Tenn. he met Vennie Mitchell, they were married Sept. 20, 1941. After serving in WW II they moved to New Salem and made their home there. They had four children, Bobby (1/25/43 – 3/31/43), Norma Jean, Brace, and Gary (11/18/48 – 11/24/72)

Lincoln – (Aug. 18, 1922 – Oct. 25, 1990) after serving in Italy during WW II, he returned to Lookout Mtn. and met Margaret (Dot) Brown. They were married April 3, 1948. They had five children; Kathaleen, Bobby, Sharon, David and Paul Quinton who died as an infant.

Audrey – (Sept 23, 1924) she taught school at New Salem Elementary before marrying J.C. Abbott on Sept 16, 1945. They have two daughters; Patricia and Sarah.

Dollie – (Nov. 23, 1927) Married R. C. (Sam) Avans on April 8, 1949. They made their home in the home place of her parents Walter and Eunice Gray. They had six children; Eddie, Ronnie, Melda, Steven (May 23, 1954 -Oct. 28, 1957), Teresa and Anthony.

The Walter and Eunice Gray family have been a close knit and caring family down through the years.

Written by Norma Jean Gilley Higdon, Ala. 35979