MSG (Ret) Gray was born in Birmingham, Alabama. After attending Jacksonville State University for a short period, he joined the Army and spent 24 years on active duty serving in Infantry assignments. He served in Vietnam, Okinawa, Korea, and at various posts throughout the United States. His last active duty tour was as ROTC instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. MSG Gray and his wife Gina live in Boaz, Alabama. They have four children: Michelle West in Biloxi, Mississippi; Jay Hudak in San Antonio, Texas; Randy Gray in Springville, Alabama; and Lisa Cunningham in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have four grandchildren; Emily, Cody, Bella, and Caleb.