Gray Portis Ransom III

Gray Portis Ransom Ill of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina passed peacefully on June 7, 2026, with his beloved wife, angel and caregiver Margaret by his side. Gray died from complications of ALS after a brief stay in hospice at Grand Strand Medical Center. Born November 28, 1940, to Gray P. "Port" Ransom, Jr. and Ruth Dorothy Ransom (Nash), Gray spent his formative years in Arlington and Oakton, Virginia and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1957.  After a semester at the College of William and Mary, he enlisted in the Army where he served as an escort for fallen service members from the Preside base in San Fransico, California. Upon leaving the Army, Gray completed his accounting coursework at the Benjamin Franklin School of Accounting in Washington, DC.

Returning to Northern Virginia, Gray and Margaret raised their three children in Burke, Virginia. The couple enjoyed bowling as a pastime, and Gray served in many volunteer roles in the NCAUSBCA (Nation's Capital Area US Bowling Congress Association). Gray often credited one of his early jobs as a pinsetter for sparking his interest in the sport. Gray served as Youth Coach for his children's bowling league, Secretary for many men's and mixed bowling leagues, as an area Lane Representative ("Red Coat") and in various other Association positions, eventually serving as the Chapter President. A lifetime fan and season ticket holder of the Washington Commanders, Gray and Margaret spent every home game in their seats at RFK Stadium, regardless of weather, and Gray continued to follow the team from South Carolina until the months preceding his death.

After a career in accounting and hospital administration, Gray and Margaret relocated and

semi-retired to their forever home in South Carolina in 2002, achieving a lifetime goal of living near Myrtle Beach. As an avid amateur nature photographer, Gray won several photography contests in his new home state, and his work was frequently featured in local newspapers.  Gray continued to work part time in Murrells Inlet, and specifically enjoyed his final role with JB Allen reality, where he was able to exercise his skills as a practical joker and prankster with his friends and coworkers. In the years leading up to his death, Gray served as the Treasurer for The Springfield Homeowner's Association, relinquishing his role only when symptoms of ALS prevented his continued service. Following his diagnosis of ALS in 2025, Gray was able to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration, which allowed him to remain at home with Margaret as his primary caregiver.

Gray is preceded in death by his parents; an older sister who died at birth; and his brothers-in-law Dane Cassady; and James and Richard Butcher. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Margaret; his younger sister Mary Ruth Cassady; his daughter Susan (John) Klemmer; son Donald (Athena) Ransom; stepson Dale Rodriguez; niece Deborah Vanover; Along with 10 grandchildren, 2 great- grandchildren and 1 great niece and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Those who wish to join the family in celebrating Gray's life are invited to. On Saturday July 11, 2026, from 2pm to 6pm at the Links Brook Clubhouse 85 Winding River Drive Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will host a Reception following a brief Celebration of Gray's Life.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.