David Alan Gray

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Alan Gray, 81, who peacefully left us in his sleep, surrounded by his three children, on Saturday, August 24th, in Arlington, Texas.

David was born on November 12th, 1942, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Geneva (Eddy) Gray. He was later lovingly embraced by Murvel (Jack) Gray, who became his devoted father. David's childhood was shaped by the frequent relocations of the oil industry, which led to many short stays in various places. Among his fondest memories was a two-year period in Stettler, Alberta, Canada, where he discovered his passion for hockey and other team sports, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of athletics. He graduated from Woodward High School in Oklahoma in 1960, having already begun working as a roughneck in the oilfields.

David went on to earn his college degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Gerry. They married on December 19th, 1964. During his time at Phillips University, David was an active member of the Gridiron Club, a social club that enriched his college experience. He later went on to serve on the Board of the Phillips University Legacy Foundation up until last June. He served as Sergeant in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam war at Fort Sill in Lawton, OK.

After graduation, David began his career at Champlin Petroleum in Enid. His career saw him through the company's acquisition by Union Pacific and the subsequent move of its headquarters to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1981. He relocated to Arlington and continued his work with UPRC until 1994. He later worked for a few other oil producers before finding his place at XTO Energy (then known as Cross Timbers), where he eventually retired in late 2007.

In the 1970s, David became deeply involved in youth sports, coaching a variety of baseball, football, and basketball teams, often including his son Steve and, on one occasion, his daughter Toni. After moving to Texas, he continued coaching, notably leading his 16-and-under team to an AABC Mickey Mantle State Championship. When his youngest son, Tyler, became old enough to play sports, David returned to coaching youth teams. Over the years, he touched countless lives, organizing leagues and tournaments with his circle of baseball coaching friends. David will always be remembered for his patience, persistence, and unwavering dedication to the teams he led. He cherished spending hot summer days and nights at ballfields across Oklahoma and Texas.

David was the first person his children turned to for advice, always eager to hear about their lives. He kept close tabs on his extended family, old friends, and his sons' softball batting averages. David was quick to reach out any time someone crossed his mind. As a dad he made sure his kids were prepared for what the world had to offer. He was honest and direct while offering boundless wisdom about the real world. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and as a grandfather, he rarely believed any of them could do wrong. His loyalty to his wife and family was unwavering throughout his life. David was strong, never allowing anyone to catch him with a weak handshake-even in his final days.

Dad was the guiding light for many, and he will be so greatly missed. He is survived by his three children along with their spouses Steve and Shaela Gray of Arlington, TX, Toni and Danny Lucero of Amarillo, TX, and Tyler and Lauren Gray of Denver, CO, his brother Phillip Gray and wife Donna, his sister in-law Elizabeth (Betty) Atkins as well as all his grandchildren, Jordan, Bailey, Peri, Kacie, Riley, Brooklynn, Kellen, and Elias, and his great-grandson, Imani.

In Lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to one or both of the places listed below as they were close to his heart:

Phillips University Legacy Foundation

1111 West Broadway Ave.

Enid, OK 73703

580-237-4433

http://www.pulf.org

Arlington Urban Ministries

701 Dugan Street

Arlington, TX 76010

https://arlingtonurbanministries.org/