Bowman Gray was born on this day in 1874 in Winston, the son of James Alexander and Aurelia Bowman Gray.
He attended the local schools, and the University of North Carolina in 1890-1891.
His father was one of the founders of Wachovia National Bank, and worked as cashier for the bank. When Bowman left UNC, he became a clerk for Wachovia.
In 1895 he joined R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a salesman, and his territory was the state of Georgia. He was later promoted to eastern sales manager, then in 1912 he was made vice-president and director of the company. He returned to Winston at this time.
He became president of the company in 1924, succeeding William Neal Reynolds, and became chairman of the board in 1931. He held this position until his untimely death in 1935. He died of a heart attack on a cruise ship, and was buried at sea, above the Arctic Circle.
Mr. Gray was a generous contributor to local organizations, such as orphanages and hospitals. He created a benevolent fund that helped to establish the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest College. He also donated the property on which Centenary Methodist Church was built on West Fifth Street.
Bowman Gray Stadium was built and opened a few years after his death, named in his honor.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
