Longtime DOCO Superior Court Judge Loring Gray Jr. Dies at 72

Local legal community remembers Gray's commitment to efficiency and respect in the courtroom.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Dougherty County Superior Court Judge Loring Gray Jr. passed away on February 24, 2026, prompting tributes from local legal professionals who described him as a steady presence dedicated to running an efficient and respectful courtroom. Gray had served on the bench for over two decades after previously working as an assistant district attorney and in private practice.

Why it matters

Judge Gray was a respected figure in the local legal community, known for his commitment to fairness and his mentorship of young attorneys. His passing marks the end of an era and will likely have an impact on the operations of the Dougherty County Superior Court going forward.

The details

Gray was praised by colleagues for his sharp legal mind, varied background, and ability to keep proceedings moving efficiently while still treating everyone in the courtroom with respect. District Attorney Greg Edwards said Gray helped bring consistency and order to the judicial process. Appeals Court Judge Ken Hodges, who knew Gray from childhood, said the judge was always mindful of not wasting the time of jurors and others required to be in the courtroom. Gray also mentored young lawyers privately rather than embarrassing them in open court.

  • Judge Loring Gray Jr. passed away on February 24, 2026.
  • Gray had served on the Dougherty County Superior Court bench for over 20 years.

The players

Loring Gray Jr.

A longtime Dougherty County Superior Court judge who passed away on February 24, 2026 at the age of 72 after over two decades on the bench.

Del Percilla

A longtime friend of Judge Gray who practiced law for 50 years and described Gray as sharp, well-rounded, and someone who genuinely cared about people.

Ken Hodges

A Georgia Court of Appeals judge who recalled knowing Gray since childhood when Hodges' father, a public defender, would argue cases against Gray, who was then an assistant district attorney.

Greg Edwards

The Dougherty County District Attorney who credited Gray with bringing consistency and order to the judicial process during his time on the bench.

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What they’re saying

“He had a feel for people, and he cared about people. And that's, I think, his real legacy. He cared about what he was doing, and genuinely liked people.”

— Del Percilla, Longtime friend (WALB)

“He was always mindful that other than the lawyers and him and the bailiffs, everybody else really didn't want to be there. You know, the jurors were giving their time, and he was respectful of that. He did not waste their time.”

— Ken Hodges, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge (WALB)

“We settled into a firm routine that allowed us to process cases expeditiously and efficiently. And Judge Gray is instrumental in all of that. He ran a very good courtroom.”

— Greg Edwards, Dougherty County District Attorney (WALB)

What’s next

The Dougherty County Superior Court will need to appoint a new judge to fill Gray's vacancy on the bench.

The takeaway

Judge Loring Gray Jr. was a respected figure in the local legal community known for his commitment to fairness, efficiency, and mentorship of young attorneys. His passing marks the end of an era and will likely have an impact on the operations of the Dougherty County Superior Court going forward.