Commissioner Terry Gray

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Commissioner Terrence Lee “Terry” Gray, Sr., a dedicated public servant and cherished member of our community.
 
Commissioner Gray served our community with commitment, humility, and deep compassion. His leadership was guided by a genuine desire to make life better for the people of Kill Devil Hills, and his impact will be felt for many years to come.
 
While growing up in the Outer Banks, Terry’s parents owned a local drive-in restaurant, and it was working there, Terry was introduced to the work ethic that has been the mainstay of his commitment to service to the public. He graduated from Manteo High School in 1974, and following an education at Wayne County Community College in Goldsboro, NC, Terry pursued a career in the Hampton Roads area before returning to Dare County to work for NCDOT Ferry Operations for 24 years.
 
Terry served the community he lived in various ways. Serving on such groups as the Nags Head Business Association, NC First Flight Centennial Commission, First Flight Rotary Club, Outer Banks Visitor Bureau, Dare County Tourism Board, and the Government Education Access Channels Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina League of Municipalities from 1994 to 1995. No doubt, one of his most impactful service areas was as the lead organizer for the Dare County Motorsports Charity Group, a local non-profit foundation that raises money to provide a merrier Christmas for underprivileged children in Dare County. He was a driving force behind the Dare County Motorcycle Toy Run, and over the years, the event raised thousands of dollars and helped thousands of kids enjoy the Christmas season. The group also provided scholarships for graduating seniors in all three Dare County High Schools.
 
Terry served the Town of Kill Devil Hills with distinction in many ways and for many years. Initially, as a member of the Planning Board from 1987 to 1991, then as Commissioner, serving 1991 to 1993, and elected and served as Mayor from 1993 to 1995, and as a member of the Kill Devil Hills Neighborhood Watch. Terry was a steadfast proponent of the creation of First Flight High School and helped negotiate an agreement achieved between the Dare County School Board, the Nature Conservancy, and the Town of Kill Devil Hills. His mayoral credits include the creation of Trash Attack!, the Town’s annual community clean-up event.
 
Terry again was called to serve the Town as a member of the Board of Commissioners from 2017 and served as Chairman of the West Side Recreation Group from 2019 to 2021. His tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to the well-being of Kill Devil Hills and its residents.
 
Beyond his elected service, Terry Gray dedicated much of his life to helping others in the community, working tirelessly to help provide joy to those less fortunate. He approached every role with an unwavering commitment to helping others, led by compassion and a true servant’s heart. His legacy is not only found in the policies and progress of his time in office, but also in the lives he touched in the community he helped shape.
 
The Town of Kill Devil Hills and its Staff extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. We ask our community to keep them in their prayers.