Buell James (Jim) Gray, Sr. of Wichita Falls, TX died March 31, 2022 and his ashes will be laid to rest at St. Christopher Episcopal church crematorium of Lubbock, Texas. His memorial will also be held at St. Christophers on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 2:00 PM.
Jim was born July 25, 1932 in Oklahoma City, OK to parents Bert John Gray and Lorena Opal (Jones) Gray. He married Rita Eileen Walsh of Brewster, NY, December 17, 1961.
He attended Wichita Falls high school graduating in 1949. After high school, Jim attended University of Texas and Midwestern State University (MSU). His education was interrupted by his army service during the Korean War from 1955 – 1957. After his honorable discharge in 1957, he completed his last semester at MSU graduating with dual degrees in physics and mathematics.
Throughout his career, Jim worked as an engineer for General Dynamics, McDonnell-Douglas, and Allis-Chalmers. He served as a rocket propulsion consultant to NASA during the Mercury and Gemini Missions and befriended some of the earliest astronauts in the space program. After a distinguished career, he retired 1994.
Jim volunteered with the VA and with Hospice of Wichita Falls. He most recently sang in the St. Christopher’s Episcopal church choir.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Katy Francene (Gray) Epp. He is survived by his wife, Rita, two daughters, Victoria Ann Gray Lyford of Lubbock, and Stefanie Suzanne Gray Pegg of San Antonio; a son, B. J. Gray Jr. of Austin, and seven grandchildren. Family has requested that donations be made to Hospice of Lubbock.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for the Gray family.
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