January 1, 1920: James A. Gray Jr. is named director and vice-president of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

James A. Gray Jr

On this date: January 1, 1920. Mr. James Alexander Gray of Wachovia Bank & Trust Company will become a director and vice-president of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and will identify himself with that company. Robert M. Hanes will become vice-president of the Wachovia Bank & Trust Company and George B. Whitaker will become treasurer. Meade Willis and Clarence Leinbach are elected as vice-presidents. Source: Union Republican, January 1, 1920.

Mr. Gray (1889-1952) was born in Winston-Salem, graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1908, and joined Wachovia Bank & Trust Company as manager of the savings department. In 1911 he was elected assistant treasurer and was promoted to treasurer in 1915. He held this position until his move to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1920.

Mr. Gray was elected president of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1934, and served in that position for the next twelve years. From 1946 to 1949 he was chairman of the executive committee, and from 1949 until his death in 1952 he was chairman of the board.

Mr. Gray was personally involved in many community and state organizations, and was a generous contributor to many charitable causes both in Winston-Salem and throughout North Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.

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