Edward C. Gray

Edward C. Gray, age 82, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed into the arms of our Lord on June 6, 2014 at 9:50AM after a courageous two year battle with Leukemia. Ed was born March 26, 1932 to Sam W. Gray and Ethel Mae Gray in San Antonio, TX. He grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1950. Two weeks after graduation he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. on June 7, 1950 as a Lineman. On November 17, 1951, Ed married his High School sweetheart, Betty Joyce Wight in San Antonio. Ed and Betty would enjoy 61 years together until Betty’s death in October 2012. In January 1952 he was called to active duty serving in the U.S. Navy SeaBees during the Korean War. Two years later, upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Southwestern Bell, where his career would move him numerous times in South and West Texas, settling in San Antonio in 1972. Ed would retire from Southwestern Bell in 1991 with 41 ½ years of service. During their retired years, Ed and Betty loved to travel the US by vehicle. Together they traveled to all but two of the US States, Canada and Mexico with their dear friends Paul and Jo LeBleu. Their favorite places to visit were Nashville, TN and Branson, MO. Anytime their travels took them within 100 miles of the two, they would have to stop in for a couple of days. Ed was a man of many talents, he could fix anything and do anything that he put his mind to. He enjoyed building furniture, cabinets, bird houses and banks from PO Boxes. Many projects were for Betty or his children and grandchildren. When he ran out of projects, Dad came out of retirement to help out another close friend, Marvin Ivy with his business. He also enjoyed going to LBJ Lake and spending time with his family.

Ed was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Davy Crockett Lodge 1225, Scottish Rite and Alzafar Shrine.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty, his parents, Sam and Ethel Gray, in-laws Robert and Julia Wight, Bobby Wight, Paul Lenz, and his granddaughter Shawna Gray. He is survived by three sons, Edward C. (Sam) Gray Jr. and wife Geralyn (Gerri), Bobby Gray and wife Cheryl, Randy Gray and wife Casey, grandchildren, Kyle Gray (fiancé Kaci Wilson), Megan Gray, Chance Gray and Lexi Gray, great-granddaughter Karsen Gray. He is also survived by one sister, Jean Ann Lenz and nephews, Jerry Lenz, Gary Lenz, Terry Lenz and Jeff Lenz. Survivors also include his constant companion, PeeWee, a Jack Russell Terrier that always gave him great comfort and love through good and bad days.

The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Methodist Hospital and Life Care Hospital for their diligent efforts to provide comfort to our father, Dr. Challa and the Cancer Care Centers of South Texas for giving us more quality time with him and the Lord for blessing us with Dad in our lives.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, South Central Texas Chapter (www.lls.org/aboutlls/chapters/sctx/), the Pioneer Foundation (www.telecompioneers.org) or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, Friday, June 13, 2014; from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, 2014; at 2:00 pm in the Sunset Chapel with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.