Jewel Gray August left this world to be with her lord and beloved husband on Oct. 31, 2012.
Born in Double Springs, Ala., she grew up with aspirations to be a nurse. Getting her R.N. degree, she moved to Birmingham to work. There she met a young pharmacist, Philip August, whom she soon wed. They moved to Tuscaloosa for Philip to work, but both dreamed of owning their own business. She and her husband moved from Tuscaloosa to Prichard in 1950 to start a pharmacy business. Though having an active nursing degree, she concentrated on her growing family and their growing business. Buying the old McMillian’s Drug in downtown Prichard, they developed a chain of Central Drug Stores, centered at the main store across from Vigor High School, they expanded to Whistler, Michigan Avenue, Tillman’s Corner, and Bayou La Batre. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip August Sr. She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Philip August Jr. (Sherry) of Gardendale, Ala; Dr. Billy Gray August (Cynthia) of Foley; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements by Radney Funeral Home in Saraland and Internment will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens. The family will accept family and friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 at the Funeral Home with the services immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the College Park Baptist Church General Fund.
