Jay Gray

Jay Gray age 51, born December 11, 1968 in the Winter Garden Hospital of Dilley, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his family’s home in Kerrville on Sunday March 8, 2020.  Jay’s early education began at Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Victoria, Texas, later returning to his hometown of Dilley to complete his education and graduated from Dilley High School. He was a forklift operator for Ocean Wash, Inc. in Dilley and a member of the First Baptist Church, Dilley.

Through Jay’s eyes the world was perfect because he only saw good in everyone and led a life free from judgement or biases.  This quality along with his joyful and happy attitude created many friends in his life he cherished spending time with.  He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Family and friends alike were often entertained by his comical side upon which tremendous smiles and laughter was a gift he gave you.  Jay loved to travel with his family to destinations throughout the United States, especially Hawaii and Christmas’s spent at Walt Disney World in Florida.  He also enjoyed RV’ing with his family on extensive road trips, exploring local attractions, historical locations and great places to eat along the way.  Jay was an outdoorsman who spent hours on end outside taking advantage of all nature had to offer. He enjoyed hunting in south Texas and Mexico with his father and brother-in-law.  Another of his favorite outdoor activities spent with his family was clay target shooting, where he showed off his ability to break targets and sometimes the ones nobody else in the group could break, earning him bragging rights.  Many of his outdoor outings were simply driving down a red dirt road in his ATV or pickup truck trimming mesquite branches keeping things groomed and beautiful.  Saltwater bay fishing was something he enjoyed with his father, as well as crabbing under lights in the evenings.  His afternoons spent in the swimming pool were full of shenanigans nobody could forget.  Jay was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and went to great lengths to defend his team.  He was also a fan of country music and his favorite artist was George Strait.

Jay has captured the heart of many and enriched their lives.  To know Jay, was to love Jay and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents Willie Jay and Ruth Alley and paternal grandparents Lester Gray and Lillian Pierson.  Jay is survived by his parents Don and Carolyn Gray, his sister Donnice Thode and brother-in-law Steve, niece Savannah Thode and nephew David Thode, Aunt’s, Uncle’s, cousins and many friends. 

A special thank you to the following for their loving care, Dr. Mohammed Khan, Cate Favor and Peterson Hospice of Kerrville.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020 11:00 am First Baptist Church, Dilley, Texas with internment to follow in Dilley Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers are Justin Furnace, Kevin Du Bose, Daniel Mosley Jr., Travis Hurt, Todd Mathews and Eddie Du Bose.  Honorary pallbearers are Eulogio Ramirez, Romie Ramirez, Cliff Keck, Faustino Amaya Jr., Randy Hermes, Norman Moreno, Steve Phillips and Gary Phillips.

Memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church, PO Box 1968, Dilley, TX 78017 or Dilley Cemetery Association, PO Box 9, Dilley, TX 78017.

Anyone wishing to sign the quest book, share memories or issue condolences for the family may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home, 608 East Trinity, Pearsall, Texas 78061.