Roger M Gray

Roger Maurice Gray, 80 years old, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, surrounded by family.

Roger was born to Virgil Maurice Gray and Daisy Lee (Richardson) Gray on January 16, 1946 in Paris, Texas. Growing up in Paris, Roger played numerous sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. Roger was an excellent athlete, setting school records in football and typically leading in rushing yards and scores for the team.

Roger attended East Texas State University where he met Dana Ann Phillips. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1969, serving on the U.S.S Constellation aircraft carrier in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War. After his deployment, Roger and Dana were married on May 22, 1971. The next year, Roger, Dana, and Roger's parents, Virgil and Daisy, moved to Mineola where Roger and Virgil were integral parts in the creation and management of East Texas Feeds.

Roger and Dana had two children; Brandon born in 1973 and Justin born in 1975. In 1979, Roger and Virgil decided to go into business for themselves, opening Gray's Farm and Ranch supply and selling feed and supplies to local farmers and ranchers. Over the years, Grays slowly transitioned to a retail plant nursery and is still in business today as Gray's Nursery and Garden Center.

Roger was a quiet, loving, family man. He loved the simpler things in life- country music, playing dominos, and frying fish with family. He loved animals like they were family and would always take care of pets in need. He was laser focused on his family and his immediate world, ensuring those in his inner circle were treated well. His friends frequently commented on how much he cared for his parents, especially when they were ill, constantly making sure they had everything they needed. He was loved by all that knew him and his calm, steady approach to life will be missed greatly.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Dana, sons Brandon and Justin, daughter-in-law Jane, and three grandchildren: Maya, Joseph and Violet. He is preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Daisy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Beaty Funeral on Tuesday, July 7 at 11:00am.