Stanley was born on the 29th July 1887, and was the son of Congregational Minister, Reverend Metcalfe Gray, and his wife, Elizabeth Newman Gray. They were residing at 15 Ravensbourne Terrace, South Shields but moved in 1900, to next door to 17 Ravensbourne Terrace. In 1911 his address was shown in 1911, as Biskey Gardens, Bowness, Cumbria.

Stanley initially attended Westoe Secondary School from 3rd July 1899, but transferred to the High School in July, 1900. He left school in 1903, to work in a chemist shop.

Stanley enlisted in the 10th Battalion Alexandra's Princess of Wales Own (Yorkshire Regiment). He enlisted in Jarrow.

He was killed on the 1st July 1916.

He is remembered at Harton on H104.03, H104.06 and at South Shields on S86.101

Yorkshire Remembered
South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for Serjeant Gray