Nannie Gray Hale

Nannie Tennessee Gray Hale August 27, 2017 Nannie Tennessee Gray Hale, Cocke County's oldest citizen, died early Sunday morning, August 27, 2017, in Dandridge, TN, at the age of 106 ½. She was born Feb. 17, 1911 in the Edwina community of Cocke County, TN, the second child and oldest daughter of Robert Lemuel and his first wife Lola (Clevenger) Gray. She was educated at Edwina Elementary School and, at the time of her death, was the oldest living graduate of Cocke County High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her older brother, Charles Otto Gray, and three sisters from her father's first marriage: Nella Cora Gray Burnett, and twins Nola Arlene Gray Hightower and Lola Allene Gray. She was also preceded in the death by her step-mother Rosa (Hale) Gray and her siblings from her father's second marriage: Mary Lenola Gray Vassar, Margarette Tulin Gray Wilds, Georgia May Gray Whitlock, Lila Ruth Gray James, and Robert Lemuel (Bobby) Gray, Jr. She worked for many years at Theresa's, a local dress shop, and later for McNabb's, another well-known Newport clothing store. She was an active member of the Cocke County Senior Citizens for many years and served as president of the quilters group, attending their weekly gatherings until well past her 100th birthday. She also led an exercise group for the seniors for several years. A devoted member of Newport's First Christian Church for nearly 70 years, she attended services until recently. She was married to the late Allen Aubra Hale for nearly 70 years. She is survived by one son, Roger Hale, and wife, Dr. Shirley Holt-Hale, of Oak Ridge, TN, plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, her church and Wellington families, and countless friends. Friends will be received Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until noon at Manes Funeral Home with the funeral service following at noon. Pastor Martin Stump will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to First Christian Church of Newport, 382 East Broadway, Newport, TN 37821 or to Stokely Memorial Library, 383 East Broadway, Newport, TN 37821. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home

Nannie Gray Hale

February 17, 1911 - August 27, 2017