Francis (Gene) Eugene Gray

Francis Eugene “Gene” Gray, 88, of San Angelo, Texas went on to his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

Gene was born on Thursday, September 22, 1932, to John Oscar and Matie Frances (Row) Gray in Coleman County, Texas. As a young man, he served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. After serving our great nation he married, Reba Ward, and they were blessed with four children. He was the manager and driver at J.D. Ward and Sons in Del Rio for eleven years. Hauling butane across the border to Old Mexico. Gene was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing at Lake Amistad. Gene then married Martha Mapes on April 25, 1975, in Odessa, Texas, and was further blessed with three more children.  In 1975 he moved to Alaska to further his career with Rowan Drilling Company on the North Slope. He worked for 23 years in various roles in the oil field. Gene had many adventures in Alaska but often reminisced about his summers trying to strike it rich at his gold mine outside Healey. During his time in Alaska, he also pursued and obtained his private pilot license. After retiring he moved to Naalehu, Hawaii, and opened up a tour to the famous Green Sand Beach.  He was soon called back to the Last Frontier for a few years and then home to the great State of Texas in 2005.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John “Rudolph” Gray, his sisters Vera Fay McPherson and Esther McPherson, and his son Ricky Lynn Gray.

Gene is survived by his wife Martha; his daughters Becky and spouse Hobbe Parks of Tuscola, Wanda and spouse Billy Avery of Odessa, Texas, Dana and spouse Michael Sharrock of Anchorage, Alaska, Marcille and spouse Herbert Millet of San Angelo, Texas and sons Dennis Gray and spouse Jo of Odessa, Texas, and Wes Green and spouse Leah of Ballinger, Texas. He is also remembered by his 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The funeral services for Gene will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. His visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am, and his funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow after the service at Gouldbusk Cemetery in Gouldbusk, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans organization in Gene’s honor. The family wishes to thank the care staff at Encompass Home Health and the San Angelo VA.