Robert Vernon Gray Jr., the loving son of Robert Sr. and Maxine Gray, was born May 22, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was called home on November 23, 2007. Robert was affectionately called ''Vernon'' or ''Spert-I.'' He grew up in Baltimore and received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System. He graduated from Southwestern Senior High School, where he was captain and star basketball player in his senior year. He led his team to the 4 A State Championship. In 1997, he won the National Hoop It Up Divisional Championship. He also played ball for the Baltimore Police Athletic League, BNBL and Cloverdale's Summer League. Vernon was awarded scholarships to George Mason University and attended Catonsville Community College. In 2006 ''Spert-I'' moved to Florida and started a successful home improvement business. His customers were highly impressed with his work. Also while in Florida, ''Spert-I'' rededicated his life to his Lord and Savior. ''Spert-I'' loved his family and his children were the center of his joy. He had a smile whenever you saw him. He enjoyed good food, family and friends; so he rarely missed family functions always saying, ''Let me hold something'' or ''hit me off.'' Robert leaves to celebrate his life; parents, Robert and Maxine Gray; brother, Byron Gray; his children Tyana, Deshawn and Damien Gray; grandparents, Freddie and Mary Gaskins; nine aunts; Louise Gaskin, Jerline Gaskin, Yvonne Gaskin, Regina Brown Harry, Julia Scovens Robert,Alice Parker Jerome, Gena Gray, Lucille Gray, Rosalie Gray; uncles, Jerry Gaskin, Ronald Gray Michelle, Timothy Gray Stella; special friend and mother of his sons, Sharnell Pebbles Burtwell; mother of his daughter, Keisha Ledbetter; very special friend, Tiffany Gondon and her daughter, Vicky; godmother, Teddie Watkins; a host of great-aunts and -uncles and many, many cousins and friends.