James "Jim" Birl Gray

James Birl "Jim" Gray February 11, 1944 - January 30, 2013 Rev. Jim Gray of Eddy, Texas, went home to be with our Lord on January 30, 2013, at the age of 68. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Monday, February 4, at First Baptist Church Woodway. Visitation will be held 2 4 p.m., Sunday, February 3, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Jim was born on February 11, 1944, to Miriam and Birl Gray in Lubbock, TX. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1962. He joined the Air Force in 1963, where he served eight years and attained the rank of staff sergeant. During his service, he studied at the Institute of Far Eastern Languages at Yale University. He then served during the Vietnam War as a Chinese Linguist. Jim received his Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Texas in Austin in 1972, but his heart was always with Baylor. For the next eleven years, Jim worked for the federal government until he surrendered to the ministry in 1983. He was on staff at Fannin Terrace Baptist Church in Midland, TX for two years. He then served as pastor at First Baptist Church in Ozona, TX from 1985-1989. Jim then became pastor of First Baptist Church in Eddy, where he served 10 years. In 1999, he joined the staff at First Baptist Church Woodway as the Associate Pastor for Senior Adults, where he served until his passing. Jim was a generous, devoted follower of Christ, who never met a stranger and went out of his way to engage everyone he encountered. He was a loving father, devoted husband, and proud Paw-Paw. He had a passion for serving others, singing, reading and spending time with his family. He adored his grandchildren and loved watching them play sports. He was an encourager and motivator and enjoyed traveling with his senior adults. He will be dearly missed by all. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 48 years, Kay Gafford Gray of Eddy, TX; sons, Richard Gray and wife, Julie, of Alvin, TX, Michael Gray of Eddy, and Stephen Gray of Austin; and daughter, Linda Gray Robinson and husband, Craig, of China Spring. He is survived by four grandchildren, Garrett, Laurel and Grant Gray of Alvin and Braylon Robinson of China Spring. He is also survived by his brother, Troy Gray and wife, Rita, of North Richland Hills, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews and other family members. Pallbearers are Richard Gray, Michael Gray, Stephan Gray, Garrett Gray, Craig Robison, Larry Gray, Damaso DJ Jordan and Jerry Stevens. Honorary pallbearers are Butch Chapman, Ronnie Wilkening, Bobby Paul and Charlie Dodd. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff and members of First Baptist Church Woodway and Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral home for their love, support and generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church Woodway. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.