Mrs. Melanie Gray, age 55, Telford, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center.
Mrs. Gray was born on September 22, 1970, in Greeneville, Tennessee to the late Bill & Mary Smith DeVotie.
She was of the Baptist faith.
Melanie worked for The Arc in Human Resources Department.
She loved her dogs and enjoyed reading, traveling and shopping.
Survivors include her husband, Zane Gray, Telford; children, Meagan Smith (Tony), Alisha Hallmark (Thomas), Torie Gray (Tara Hall) and Wes Gray, all of Johnson City; grandchildren, Conner Foster, Christian Smith, Marley Marie Smith, Zane Gray III, Matthew Hughes and Jacob Hughes; brothers, Butch Richardson, Royce Richardson and Billy DeVotie Jr; sisters, Vickie Richardson and Joanna Steele; several nephews and nieces; and special friends, Frances Manning and Wendy Lilly.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Whaley officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday prior to the service.
Graveside services will be conducted 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Philadelphia Cemetery. Family request friends meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at 9:15 AM to go in procession to cemetery.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, c/o Jericho Temple, P.O. Box 5508, Kingsport, Tennessee 37663.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
From everyone here at The Arc of Washington County, we are so sorry for your loss. Melanie was a wonderful co-worker and friend to us all. We will greatly miss her kindness and sweet smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
08/24/2026
David Meade
Melanie was a tremendously kind and sweet person. So very sad to hear this and sending our deepest condolences to her loved ones. She was a joy to know.
08/24/2026
Tina Rankin
Melanie will be missed. She was such a sweet person and always had a kind word or laugh for someone. Condolences to her family and her special dog Roxie.
08/24/2026
Misty Clawson
I remember riding in back daddy's truck going dandridge with u I'm so glad u knew Jesus and are in heaven I love u mel see u one day soon tell uncle Johnny I said hey I didn't know u all shared same birthday
08/24/2026
Mikaela Donegan
Melanie was one of the best coworkers I've had. We bonded over our love of going over the top decorating for Christmas. I'll never forget coming in one morning to a 8 foot Christmas tree. She was so fun to work with, always energetic and happy. My heart is broken for her family. She loved her children and Grandchildren deeply and I hope they know they are in my deepest prayers for peace that passes all understanding and that God would use this to draw them closer to Him. I pray they can see Him and find Him in the midst of their pain.
08/24/2026
Tammy Lowe
I was saddened to hear this news. Sending heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, and wishing you comfort in the midst of this loss.
08/24/2026
Ann shanks
So sorry Zane to hear about your wife. We will keep you an your family in our prayers.
