He further opposed the Albany Movement led by King by purchasing a public swimming pool in order to prevent its use by African Americans.
He came in fourth place in the five-person Democratic primary race behind former governor Ellis Arnall, state senator Jimmy Carter, and fellow segregationist and the eventual winner Lester Maddox.
[3] Governor Maddox nominated Gray to another term as state Democratic party chairman.
Shopping complexes and large industries came to town as Albany became the centerpiece of South Georgia and adopted the nickname "The Good Life City".
[4] Gray died of a heart attack on September 19, 1986, at the New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.