Hilda Ann Gray
Born March 30, 1933 in Pacolet, South CarolinaPassed December 18, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Hilda Ann (McCravy) Gray. A devoted wife and mother, Hilda passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at the age of 91. Hilda’s kindness, grace, and compassion were hallmarks of her character, and she brought a smile to everyone whose life she touched. Even up until the very end, she maintained these beautiful qualities, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Hilda, a passionate advocate for children, dedicated over 30 years of her life to education, impacting hundreds of young lives in our local area. From a young age, it was evident that Hilda was destined to be a teacher. Growing up in Pacolet, SC, she would line up her dolls and hold class, demonstrating her innate calling for teaching. Her dedication and hard work earned her a scholarship to Lander College in Greenwood, SC, where she graduated and embarked on her distinguished career in education.
Hilda’s passion took her from Pacolet and Greenwood, South Carolina, to Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico for a teaching position before eventually settling in the Space Coast. Along the way she earned advanced degrees in Special and Exceptional Education.
It was here in the Space Coast that Hilda met her beloved husband, Bill, and started her family. She dedicated herself to nurturing young minds at various schools, including Greenwood, Ramey AFB, Sea Park, Ocean Breeze, and, finally, Christa McAuliffe. Hilda was not just a teacher; she was a well-respected member in the Indian Harbour Beach community and in the Marion Street neighborhood, endearingly known as “Nini” to many of the children there.
In the last four years, Hilda resided at Victoria Landing, where she continued to spread love and warmth. Her nurturing spirit and affectionate nature earned her the titles of “sweetest” and “best giver of hugs” on multiple occasions.
Hilda is proceeded by: William “Bill, W.P” Gray (Husband); Guy and Lavada McCravy (parents); Dorothy “Dot” Martin (sister); Larry McCravy (brother); Brian Thompson and Huann Petty (nephew and niece).
Survived by: Jason and Donna Gray (son and daughter-in-law); Gloria “Wowa” Howe (sister); Sandra McCravy (sister-in-law); Meldra Vicario, Freda Tobias, Deeland “Dee” Martin, Amy Strange, Tina Miles, Phillip McCravy, Cindy Hiott, Scott McCravy (nieces and nephews); and many grand and great-grand nephews and nieces.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th from 10am-12pm at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home with a Memorial Service to be held immediately following at 12pm. Following the Memorial Service, we will gather for a celebration of life ceremony at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club at 1pm. This will be a time for us to come together to celebrate my mother’s life, reflect on the beautiful legacy she leaves behind, and acknowledge the countless ways she enriched our lives.
All are welcome to join us in honoring her memory. Your presence would mean a lot to us as we commemorate her remarkable life.