Robert Wynn Grayson

Robert Wynn (Bob) Grayson Robert Wynn Grayson, 83, died on July 5, 2005 at his home in Austin, Texas. Bob was born in Lufkin, Texas on November 13, 1921, the son of Alfred Moore and Winnie Singleton Grayson, and was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Dorothy Newnam Grayson, sister Anne Grayson Chandler, brothers Ben Grayson and Mayo Grayson, and granddaughter Katherine Phinney. Bob is survived by his wife, Billie Fay Phinney Grayson; 5 children and spouses – Robert Wynn Grayson, Jr. of Waco (Nancy), William Lang Grayson of Garland (Cecilia), Glenn Edward Grayson of Las Vegas, NV (Liz), David Phinney of Austin (Priscilla), and Cynthia Phinney Selman of Austin (Jack); 8 grandchildren and spouses – Jennifer Grayson Rodehaver (Scott), James Grayson (Stephanie), Jean Grayson Davis (Bill), Margaret Grayson, Spencer and Abbey Phinney, Sam and Will Selman; 5 great-grandchildren – Zachary, Hannah and Jacob Rodehaver, Sarah Davis, Coan Grayson; brother Bruns Holland Grayson of Alameda, CA; sister-in-law Katharine Grayson of Baton Rouge, LA; and a loving and deeply loved extended family. Bob was a man of high ideals and firm beliefs, nurtured early in life by his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout and have his three sons follow him and achieve the rank of Eagle. Desiring to serve his country, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943. During officer training and before reporting to duty in the Pacific, he married Dorothy Newnam of Beaumont, in North Carolina. After the war, he and Dorothy moved to Austin and Bob entered the University of Texas. Bob graduated from UT in 1948 with a BS in Geology and immediately began his career with Ohio (Marathon) Oil Company as a geologist, exploration manager and strategic planner, in Houston, San Antonio, Abilene, Findlay OH, Midland, and Calgary AB. He was a member of the AAPG for 57 years, the Austin Geological Society since 1980 and Rotary International since 1997. A committed Presbyterian, Bob was involved in his church everywhere he lived, serving as Deacon, Elder and several times as Building Committee Chairman. Bob continued in the USMC Reserves after the war, rising to the rank of Major. He loved UT and was a Life Member of the Texas Exes. Bob enjoyed long car trips, always looking for an opportunity to take one of his famous short cuts down the road “less traveled by”. He also loved the game of golf, with a deep appreciation for its integrity and camaraderie. In retirement, Bob and Billie Fay enjoyed their active participation in the life of Covenant Presbyterian Church, travel, golf, community involvement, and entertaining friends and family in their home. He relished the role of grandparent, and the sharing of his passions and principles with another generation. Bob loved his God, his family and his country, and always lived his life as an example for his family and friends. He will be sorely missed, and everyone who knew and loved him will always be grateful to have been part of his life. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2005. Followed by graveside services at Austin Memorial Park. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held Sunday, July 10, 2005 at 3:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Dr., Austin, TX 78757. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Covenant Presbyterian Church or to the University of Texas at Austin Geology Foundation, P.O. Box B, Austin, Texas 78713. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com