John Daniel "J.D" Gray

GRAY, John Daniel “J.D.”, 68, resident of Prattville, AL, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at JM Wood Auction Co. with Rev. Doug Powell, Rev. Lamar Lyons and Rev. Donnie Burns officiating. The family will receive friends at JM Wood Auction Co. from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Burial will be held on Monday morning at 10:00 from White City Cemetery with Prattville Memorial directing. Mr. Gray was preceded in death by his parents, Nolan Gray and Mozell McGowin Gray. He is survived by his sister, Martha Gray; extended family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your remembrance of him with a donation to one’s favorite charity. J.D. was a widely-known and well-respected member of the River Region communities. He always answered his phone. Always. If he couldn’t talk, he would answer the phone and say he’d call back later. His business acumen, work ethic and knack for interpersonal relationships shone in his roles as Vice President and Truck Division Manager for J.M. Wood Auction Company, Inc. in Montgomery, his cattle farm, and his leadership positions on numerous bank and philanthropic boards. J.D.’s quick wit set everyone at ease and he thrived on people. Dozens of people would say he was their best friend, and every one of them would be right. John Daniel (J.D.) Gray was born May 7, 1955. J.D. was mentor to everyone at J.M. Wood Auction Company and to an entire industry. His legendary status in the world of vocational trucks and heavy equipment was well-earned. At the time of his death, he was the Vice President and Truck Division Manager for J.M. Wood Auction Company, Inc. in Montgomery. Prior to J.M. Wood, JD sold trucks for The Cross Family of Gulf Coast Mack in Mobile. J.D. excelled at relationships and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of truck specifications and values. Brenda Wood recognized his talents and hired J.D. in 1999 to lead the governmental truck division of J.M. Wood Auction Company and serve as Vice President of the company. J.D. was a trusted friend and advisor to everyone who knew him. People from every walk of life leaned on him for guidance both professionally and personally. He was a native of White City in north Autauga County, AL. Pallbearers will be Don Bullard, Larry Green, Dooley Bunn, Cosby Carmichael, Danny Clements, Jason Payne, Bill Ricketts, Sr. and Adam Stanfield. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Heartsill, Charlie Ferguson, Jimmy Pate, Joel Pate, Jimmy Starr, Dick Starr, Al Mitsch, Rick Murphy, Keith McDaniel, Jody Stough, Charles Herron, JM Wood Auction employees, Larry Puckett, Dr. Jason Randall, Edwin May, Scott Alexander, Dr. Jade Hoy, Donnie Gunter, Eugene Moore, Mike Lamar, Phillip Pouncey, Rawls Romero, White City Volunteer Fire Dept. and Old Kingston Volunteer Fire Dept.

John Daniel "J.D" Gray

May 7, 1955 - February 28, 2024