Nancy Lee Huffman Grey

Nancy Lee Huffman Grey, 87, wife of Edward R. Grey, Jr. for 67 years, passed away peacefully on 9/13/24 at her home in Winter Park, FL. She was born March 15, 1937 and raised in Newport News, VA. In her youth, Nancy Lee was an accomplished equestrian. Representing the family farm "Briar Patch", she owned and showed two thoroughbred hunters which led her to the title of Virginia State Equitation Champion. Her riding competition took her throughout the Mid-Atlantic states whereby she ultimately showed in Madison Square Garden. She attended Mary Washington College (of the University of Virginia) in Fredericksburg, VA. In 1956, she met Ed Grey, the love of her life, while he was working in Newport News during the summer before his senior year at Georgia Tech. Following a 3-month engagement and marriage in March of 1957, Ed & Nancy Lee moved to Pensacola where Ed was commissioned in Naval Flight School. After the appointment Ed had the option to transition to the Naval Reserves, so they returned to Newport News where their two children, Gin and Bill, were born. Over time, Ed’s career eventually took the family to Cleveland, OH; Midland, MI; Coral Gables, FL; back to Newport News and ultimately a move to Jacksonville, FL in 1976. Nancy Lee had a love for gardening and was a member of the Garden Club of Virginia. She was an avid tennis player and golfer. Her favorite days were spent at Virginia Beach, or at Ponte Vedra Beach Club throughout the years. But it was the love of boating that became a big part of the family’s life and they were active members of the Epping Forest Yacht Club for many years. Always quick to plan a trip, they traveled the world with their friends making many fond memories and stories of their adventures. Nancy Lee and Ed were active members of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Mandarin, FL, where she served as a past Vestry member. Her parents, Ellen D. Huffman and Edward B. Huffman, along with her half-sister Madeleine Allaun, all predeceased Nancy Lee. She is survived by her husband Edward R. Grey Jr. and her two cherished children, Virginia (Gin) L. Grey Crimmings (Craig) of Orlando, FL and William (Bill) F. Grey (Jerrine) of Georgetown, TX; grandchildren Marshall Grey (Taelor) of McKinney, TX, and Morgan Grey of Pflugerville, TX; great grandsons Fletcher and Sullivan Grey; sister Sally Sue Andrews (Wally predeceased) of Newport News, and nephews Andy and Spence (Michelle) Andrews; sister-in-law Polly Grey (Barry predeceased) of Jacksonville, FL; nephews Sam and Top Allaun. Nancy Lee will be remembered as a fighter after surviving her 14-year pancreatic cancer challenge, but succumbing eventually to brain cancer. She will also be remembered as a great hostess, neighbor, organizer, animal lover (especially Springer Spaniel dogs), and always made you feel welcome. She was loved by many and her legacy will live on. The family is greatly indebted to the wonderful care-givers who aided Nancy Lee in her final months. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday October 19, 2024 at 11am at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 12236 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32223 with a reception to follow on church campus. In homage to the colorful life of Nancy Lee, her family is requesting that all who attend her Celebration of Life wear cheerful and bright colors instead of the traditional memorial attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church of Our Saviour or the American Cancer Society.

Nancy Lee Huffman Grey

March 15, 1937 - September 13, 2024