Dr. Delbert Gray, a gifted educator, life-long Detroit community leader, devoted husband, father and son, and an extraordinary friend, passed away on Feb. 13, 2014. Recognized as an astute, courageous, and visionary leader, generosity and kindness were at the core of his being. In a world where we are rated by our accomplishments, Delbert was distinguished by how much he enabled others to achieve.
Dr. Gray lit up a room when he entered it. Confusion was clarified, conflict became resolvable, friendship and love would prevail.
Elisha Delbert Gray was born September 30, 1945, the boy who would one day advise Michigan governors, business leaders and inspire generations of college students was raised on Detroit’s east side with his mother, father, sister, brother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, all living together joyfully.
Dr. Gray recalled growing up in Detroit in the 1950s with the strong sense that life was promising and something to be cherished.
He took leave from his family’s home, taking with him the love of God, to earn a B.S. from Tennessee State University, and to meet and fall in love with Sylvia Sims. He went on to earn a Masters of Arts degree from Michigan State University in Guidance and Personnel Services. He then became Dr. Gray with a PhD in Administration, Urban Psychology and Curriculum Development.
Serving as advanceman during William Milliken’s first gubernatorial election campaign, Dr. Gray brought key understanding of southeastern Michigan to the Traverse City native, helping the governor broaden his outreach and impact.
Dr. Gray worked for Michigan Minority Business Development Council, State of Michigan (Jobs Commission), State of Michigan (Department of Commerce) Founder/Owner and CEO, Institute for Practical Employability Skills, Inc., General Motors 7001 Ltd. Pre-Employment Training Skills, and Michigan Department of Education.
He began and ended his professional life as an educator. His first job after graduating from Tennessee State University was as a teacher for Detroit Public Schools.
Profiled many times in magazines and newspapers, Dr. Gray always said, “Whatever I’ve done, I’ve always been involved in seeing students succeed in today’s tough employment climate.”
He found his most recent rewarding experience working for Wayne County Community College in several positions.
His honors include National Association of Historical Black Colleges and Universities Alumni Hall of Fame inductee from Tennessee State University; Northwest Church of God, Role Model for Youth; Michigan State University Alumni Recognition; Michigan Minority Development Council Advocate Award, among many others.
A distinguished leader in public policy, education and business, Dr. Gray understood the humanity of these disciplines.
Celebrating his life are his wife, Sylvia Sims Gray; son, Brandon; daughter, Ashley; father, Elisha Z. Gray; sister, Prudence Diane Hollins; brother, Daniel Gray; aunts, Prudence Washington and Hannah Hirsch; and many other family members and friends.
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