Gray A. Cavender III earned his bachelors and J.D. degrees from the University of Tennessee. I

n 1972, Gray assumed a position as Staff Attorney, Judicial Planning Supervisor, and eventually Assistant Director of the Tennessee Criminal Justice Planning Agency. Later, he entered the doctoral program in Criminology at Florida State University and earned his PhD.

In 1977, Gray accepted an assistant professor position at Arizona State University in Tempe, and remained on the ASU faculty for 40 years, eventually achieving the rank of Full Professor. He collaborated in creating the nation's first PhD program in Justice Studies, serving as its inaugural director. Gray was an outstanding teacher and mentor, much admired by students. He was a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the study of crime, punishment, and media. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles and several academic books.

 Gray retired from ASU in 2017, and began to devote more writing time to crime fiction. His mystery novels and short stories can be found on Amazon.

Survivors include wife Nancy Jurik, a daughter and son-in-law, a grandson, and a great-grandson. 

There will be a memorial/celebration event Friday, October 13, 2023 from 4:30-7:30 pm at the ASU University Club, 425 E. University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281.

Donations in Gray's name can be made to the ASU Foundation for the "Gray Cavender Undergraduate Justice Studies Scholarship." Checks can be mailed to PO Box 872401, Tempe, AZ 85287-2401. Memories can be shared by email at CavenderMemorial@gmail.com