Fr. Gray Bean grew up in rural Alabama and is a graduate of Jacksonville State University. He is a convert to the Catholic Faith and after studies at St. Meinrad Seminary was ordained a priest by Bishop David Foley for the Diocese of Birmingham. He has served parishes in Adamsville, Gadsden, and for the last twelve years, St. Theresa Parish in Leeds.

Reverend E. Gray Bean is named Pastor of Our Lady of the Shoals Parish in Tuscumbia, effective July 1, 2026.