Roll Call Tribute

Delbert Gray 

October 29, 1923 - January 9, 2021 

Delbert Gray, 97, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully in Longview on January 9, 2021.

A Visitation will be held for Delbert at 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home chapel in Henderson, Tx, followed by the Service at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brian Johnson. A private family graveside will be held with Pastor Mike Blake officiating. 

Delbert was born on October 29, 1923 in Henderson, Texas to C.W. Gray, Sr. and Lillian Bailey Gray, and he graduated from Henderson High School in 1941. After attending Kilgore College, he proudly served his country during World War II in the US Army Air Corps in Europe. Upon returning from the war, he completed his education at Texas A & M, graduating in chemical engineering. He worked as a Registered Professional Engineer in the East Texas oilfield, and was the long-time Superintendent of Parade Company's natural gas processing plant at New London.

Delbert had been a member of Central Presbyterian Church in his earlier years, and became a charter member and elder of Westminster Bible Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He was active in his professional Gas Processor's Association, and with the boards of his children's youth organizations, enjoyed jail and prison ministry, and was especially active in the Gideons and Bible placement. He loved playing baseball, softball, and golf, coaching youth sports, taking his family traveling, hiking the mountains, telling stories, and meeting people from all walks of life. He was a generous man who lived simply so that he could give to others. Delbert was a humble, kind, and gentle man. Many friends and family sought his wise counsel.

Delbert was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Betty Brust Gray; his sister Arnette Gray Gregory; his brothers Charles and Jack Gray; and his son-in-law Bob Johnson. He is survived by his children Marsha Gray Johnson of Bend, Oregon; Wendy Gray of Longview; David Gray and wife Linda of Henderson; Dinah Gray of Longview; his grandchildren Dave Johnson and wife Carrie, and Brian Johnson and wife Kelly, all of Bend, Oregon; and his sisters Jane Gray Bloomquist and Jean Gray Nelson, both of Arlington. Also his grandchildren Aaron Howard and wife Danielle of Tyler; Brent Howard and wife Lyndsey of Tacoma, Wa.; Cristin Wells and husband Kirby of Ft. Worth; Anthony Howard of San Diego, Ca., and many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Grandpa and Uncle Delbert.