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MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing man who is legally blind.  A family member reported 59-year-old Billy Joe Gray missing this evening. Family members and close friends have not seen or heard from Mr. Gray since 10 pm Wednesday. Mr. Gray is legally blind and suffers from several medical conditions. Mr. Gray resides at a residence on Vinegar Valley Road in Friendsville.

Sheriff’s deputies and K-9 teams have been searching the wooded area around Mr. Gray’s residence since receiving the missing person’s report earlier this evening.

The Sheriff’s Office believes Mr. Gray could be endangered because of his medical issues. Please study this recent photo of Mr. Gray. If you have seen or spoken to Billy Joe Gray since Wednesday night, please call the non-emergency number at Blount County Communications at (865)983-3620. You may also call Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations during normal business hours at (865)273-5001 or leave a message on the 24-hour crime hotline at (865)273-5200, or leave a tip on the Text-a-Tip link at www.bcso.com.