Susan Renee Gray

Susan Renee Gray, 61, left his life and traveled to her Heavenly home. She died peacefully in her sleep on February 18, 2021, cradled on her sister’s shoulder.

On a cold day in Tazewell, Virginia, a bundle of joy was delivered to John and Brytha Lee. That bundle of joy was Susan Renee Gray, who was born on January 10, 1960.

She spent most of her life in Kingsport, TN. The highlight of her life was the birth of her son, John Ethen (Melear) Gray. He was her world… her life. On June 19, 2004, John Ethan passed away. From that day, Renee’s life drastically changed. She lived with tremendous grief until she took her last breath.

Renee attended Sullivan Central High School. She also attended East Tennessee State University. Over her career, she worked at Bechtel Engineering, BAE Systems, as well as other companies. She was tough. Renee once “hung steel” for a living. She had a strong work ethic. Renee was efficient and accurate. She loved her jobs.

She and her sister, Cheryl Lee, had an extremely strong bond throughout their lives. They were best friends for sixty years. They often joked about again and growing old together. Sadly, this was not to be.

Renee loved dogs. She leaved behind her precious pups, Quinn, a Goldendoodle, and two senior Schnauzers. Renee loved horses. When she was four years old, her Christmas request was a cowgirl outfit. She loved fishing. Her last vacation was a trip to the Gulf where she went deep sea fishing with her sister. Renee enjoyed gardening and yardwork. During the summer months, she could be found outside. She loved placing lights around the yard. Those lights continue to shine in the night sky.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, John Ethan (Melear) Gray; her father, John Harvey Lee; as well as uncles and aunts.

Renee is survived by her mother, Brytha Lea Lee; sister, Cheryl Ann Lee; special aunts, Jean Cline Belcher and Frances Cline Tomasini; honorary son, Corey Sensabaugh; many cousins and friends who loved her dearly; a very special young man, Dominic; and many who called her Moma Gray.

Due to Covid-19, Renee’s celebration of life is delayed. The service will be announced on Facebook.

As much as the family would love to visit with you, they are observing Covid-19 guidelines. They appreciate the calls and messages received on behalf of Renee.

Renee was crazy smart, funny, loving, kind, and generous. She tipped at drive thrus… sometimes with a twenty dollar bill. She often said she just felt led to tip extra.

Donations can be made to Belivers Church, 3329 E. Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660, and the American Heart Association, 3101 Browns Mill Road, Suite 6, PMB 321, Johnson City, TN 37604.

Renee will be greatly missed by her mother and sister. They cherish your thoughts and prayers they live without Renee.

She loved the saying “Morning always comes.” When you think of Renee, remember, morning always comes for those left behind.

Thank you for loving her.