Bonnie Sue Gray

Bonnie Sue Gray, 77, entered into rest on Friday, October 11, 2024. 

Bonnie was born on July 24, 1947, in Coeburn, Virginia to the late Bill and Virginia Shepherd. She had $42 and a one-way Greyhound ticket in her pocket when she left the poverty-stricken mining community of Coeburn for Washington, D.C. The year was 1967 and Bonnie was among several vocational students selected to serve her country by working for the federal government. When she arrived in the nation’s capital, she only had her new coat and one suitcase; she realized she didn’t have enough money to stay in a hotel, so she was allowed by the bus terminal to stay overnight and showed her how to catch the metro bus the next day. Upon arrival at her new job, she made them aware that she didn’t have anywhere to live and was advanced her first paycheck and given the number of a place she could stay. By 1985, Bonnie had been promoted to GS-14 and was serving as the chief over the special projects section at the Pentagon. There, she was responsible for formulating policy, regulations, and procedures for the disclosure of information and data to foreign governments. By 1987, she received a call from the director of the Electronic Warfare Directorate at Robins Air Force Base offering her the opportunity to establish the Intelligence Division for Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. This position came with a voluntary downgrade to a GS-12, but she decided she wanted a better lifestyle for her children. So, Bonnie walked away from her 18-year career at the Pentagon to become Robins’ security officer. In 1994, Bonnie was promoted to GS-14 and held her position until retirement at 36 years. Although Bonnie circled the globe, rubbed elbows with royalty, and made decisions that could be a part of a Tom Clancy novel, she never let any of it go to her head. What made Bonnie so interesting is the fact that she came from such humble beginnings but succeeded so well in her professional life. Bonnie enabled people to do their jobs and took care of her people and the mission just fell in line.  

Bonnie was a proud patriot and a true champion for women in the workplace, breaking barriers in a world once dominated by men. While her career was a significant passion, her granddaughters held the utmost place in her heart; they were her greatest joy and pride. A natural caregiver, Bonnie selflessly supported those in need, often providing opportunities for others to earn a little extra by working with her. Her church and community were deeply cherished, and she devoted herself to causes close to her heart, including the food mission in Virginia. Bonnie took great joy in purchasing fabric and supplies to create blankets for children’s homes, reflecting her compassion and dedication to helping others. She had an eye for beauty, particularly favoring rubies, and loved to dress elegantly, radiating a grace that matched her lovely spirit. Bonnie was as beautiful inside as she was outside, leaving a legacy of kindness and empowerment that will be cherished by all who knew her. 

In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Marshall Gray and siblings, Tammy Shepherd, Billy Shepherd, Julia Clark, Ann Gilliam, and Patsy Edwards.  

Her memory will forever be treasured by her children, Michael Soderman and Janet Soderman (Jeremy Carter); grandchildren, Payton Lynn Soderman, Charis Nichole Carter, and Baylee Michelle Soderman; siblings, Andy Shepherd (Bonnie) and Bobby Shepherd (Sherrie), along with niece, Caitlyn Shepherd.  

Visitation will be Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Bonnie will be laid to rest next to her husband in Andersonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Bonnie Gray to Grovania United Methodist Church, c/o Carolyn Harrison at 220 Ellis Road, Hawkinsville, GA 31036.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.