Claudia Slack Gray

Claudia Slack Gray, 81, passed peacefully into eternity on Wednesday morning, November 30, 2022, at a local healthcare facility. Claudia had battled Parkinson’s Disease with Lewey Body Dementia the last few years as well as her physical disability due to life long Rheumatoid Arthritis and Scoliosis.

Claudia was born in Bradley County, TN on January 27, 1941, to Euyless and Christine Slack. She was the sixth of seven children. Claudia graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1958 at age 17. She worked numerous jobs over the years. Her last position was bookkeeper for Jones Management where she was employed for 20 years, retiring at age 74. Before her dementia diagnosis she enjoyed reading and studying her Bible. She taught Sunday School for many years and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was very active in church, attending many years at Westwood Baptist Church and Big Springs Baptist Church.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Euyless and Christine Slack and special grandmother, Bertha Bradley. Her husband, Calvin Anderson Gray, Jr. passed before her in 2015. First husband and father to her children, Wayne Lakins, preceded her in death in 2020. She was also preceded in death by her siblings during childhood, Lewis Slack and Louise Slack. Sisters June Hayes, Betty Collins, and Peggy Clayton also precede Claudia in death.

Survivors include daughters Lisa Center (Doug Stroupe) and Christi Eckstein (Kenny); grandchildren Cody Center, Stormy Burt (Julian), Kendall Eckstein, and Brianna Gale; one sister Patricia Stafford; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Legacy Village, Signature Healthcare, and Hearth Hospice for their compassionate care provided to Claudia.

Funeral arrangements are made with Companion Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 8 at 11:00 AM at Companion with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.