Thomas J. Grayson, Jr.

Tommy Grayson, 76, of Auburn, Alabama, ventured home peacefully in his sleep at Bethany House on February 6, 2025. 

He was born in New Orleans in 1948 to retired Navy Lt Thomas Jay Grayson, Sr and Mary Alice Grayson (Mahner). Tommy graduated from Dothan High School ('66) before receiving his degree in Business Administration at Auburn University ('70). He went on to manage/own several businesses in Auburn where he gave countless individuals the opportunity to support themselves, thereby giving them a little more agency over the direction of their lives. He fervently believed in giving everyone a chance to succeed and encouraged them to pursue their education. 

Tommy is survived by his wife, Marylynn Grayson, his son, CJ (Angie) Grayson, his daughter, Halley Joy (Kyle) Corley, his beautiful grandchildren; MacKenzie Corley, Jack Grayson, and Eva Grayson, his mentor in mayhem cousin, Bobby Mahner, other cousins, and by a brood of god-children and great god-children. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Jay Grayson, Sr, his mother, Mary Alice Grayson, and his sage and scoundrel cousin, The Late John Mahner. 

He was known for his love of life, his family, and Auburn sports. He had a particular fondness for playing bad golf fast, irregularly cut muffalettas, watching Auburn baseball from the Left Field Lounge, and for cracking jokes so dry that they chafed. He and Halley often shared bacon and milkshakes for breakfast before opening his restaurants as a "quality control measure". He pursued his goal of making at least one person smile every day with vigor. 

Tommy fought valiantly against his cancer and approached the end of his days with an immense amount of grace, softness, and humor. He understood the gift that was life. 

In lieu of a service, and in the spirit of bringing people together, he's requested everyone pay a visit to your local seafood joint with your favorite people and let them know you love them. Life's too short to eat bad food. Tip your waiter well in his honor.