Ronald Archie Gray

  • Born: March 28, 1943
  • Died: February 11, 2012
  • Location: Austin, Texas

Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home North

3125 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78705

info@wcfish.com
Tel. (512) 452-8811

Tribute & Message From The Family


Ronald Archie Gray
3/28/1943 – 2/11/2012

Ronald Archie Gray, 68 of Austin, Texas passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 11th, 2012. Ronnie was born to Archie and Gladys Gray on 3/28/1943 in Ramona Oklahoma. He lived in the Bartlesville, OK area until January of 1996. His failing health brought him to Austin to receive care and reside with his daughter.

Mr. Gray was a former employee for over twenty years working as a Test Well Operator for Reda/Camco in Bartlesville.

For almost two years he had been receiving loving care at Cedar View Rehabilitation Center in Austin when the Lord called for him. He will be greatly missed by all of the staff that cared for him and residents that knew him.

He was best remembered for his gentle smile and the twinkle in his eyes when he was spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include one daughter, Rhonda (Gray) Chaffin, one son Ryan Gray and Mother of his children, Dixie Gray. Also surviving are two grandchildren: Nicholas Gray-Ramos and Christopher Chaffin. He will be dearly missed by his son-in-law Michael Chaffin.
He also has three sisters that reside in Oklahoma and Texas.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.

Services

Condolence & Memory Journal

I just wanted to say Thanks to everyone that has been here and posted their condolences. It has been nice to hear about all of the memories. God Bless you all.

Posted by Rhonda Chaffin - Austin, TX - Daughter   February 20, 2012

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I would also like to send a hug to my two great nephews for their loss of Papa. It is sad he could not been around for another 25 plus years, if he had been in good health because we all want our parents and grandparents to live to be over 90 and be a part of our daily lives.

Posted by Tammy Allen - Thayer, KS - sister-in-law   February 19, 2012

Rhonda, We were saddened to hear about your dad. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and the family. I know how much you loved and cared for your father, remembering the times we talked. God Bless You.

Posted by Carl/Barbara Woodworth - Ramona, OK - Friend   February 18, 2012

Love and miss Ronnie. What a great person he always was. so many memories from a childhood with him and his family.

Posted by Connie Jo McLain Sumner - Ramona, OK - cousin   February 17, 2012

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He was a wonderful Dad.He worked hard to make sure the family had what we needed.His hard work habits inspire me.I wish I could of spent more time with Him.He will be missed greatly.

Posted by Ryan R Gray - Austin, TX - Son   February 17, 2012

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I am so sorry for the loss of your Father and my Uncle Ronnie. My sincerest condolences to Rhonda, Ryan and their families. Uncle Ronnie was truly blessed to have Rhonda to look after all his needs after he became ill.
I fondly remember my sister and I driving to Bartlesville one summer to visit relatives. Uncle Ronnie and his family invited us to go to Branson with them over the July 4th weekend. That was the 1st time I had been to a waterpark. Wow! What fun we had! Thank you for the lovely memory that I will always treasure.

Posted by Tina Bass - TX - neice   February 17, 2012

Ronald Gray made a difference in many lives including mine. He will always be remembred for his beautiful blue eyes and that smile. Ronald may have had a difficult time speaking but his eyes said it all. He will be missed by all his friends at Cedar View. He loved to watch old western movies in the afternoon and have coffee with his friends before dinner. His daughter, Rhonda is blessed with his uniqueness.
Mary Bell
Cedar View HC

Posted by Mary Bell - austin, TX   February 17, 2012

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My best memories have always been the camping trips that my parents planned. My Dad was also there when I needed someone to talk to. I will always remember once he was disabled and not working that he would call me on a weekly basis from my grandmother's house. It was nice to know that he was thinking about me. I always dreamed that one day we could communicate with speech. I remember that he took me to a Dad & Daughter dinner when I was in Girl Scouts, I still have very fond memories of that and remember the dessert. The last thing that comes to mind is all of the softball games that he attended even when I was on the bench. I will miss you Daddy, you are forever in my heart.

Posted by Rhonda Lee Chaffin - Austin, TX - Daughter   February 16, 2012

I am Don Gray younger brother, and I lived in the Dallas area since 1970.
But I too remember Ronnie, I know he will be missed by family and friends.
All the Gray Cousins have become the older generation.
I pray that Jesus will give all comfort and peace during this time.

Posted by Charles Gray - Mansfield, TX - 1st cousins   February 16, 2012

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Gray at Mike and Rhonda's wedding.
He exuded a warmth and openness that transcended our language barrier.
I liked him instantly. It felt good to be in his presence. My love and prayers go out to Rhonda and Nicholas, I know they will miss him dearly.

Posted by Justin Calhoun - Houston, TX   February 16, 2012

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Papa was always the spark to my life, since longer than I can remember. Any time of any day, no matter what kind of mood Papa was in, his face was always delighted to see me. Words cannot describe my love and care for Papa. I will forever share my memories with my little brother Christopher, about how great of a man he was. I would love to have you back down here again, but what really excites me is seeing you someday, running around and talking about how you've been. I love you.

Posted by Nicholas Gray-Ramos - Austin, TX - Grandson   February 16, 2012

A good friend, always smiling.

Posted by George Oliver - Bartlesville, OK - Friend   February 16, 2012

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Ronnie always had a kind heart and would help anyone. He was my uncle and when I was small Ronnie would call me "lil Indian" and tease me, he continued to call me that name through my adult years. I am grateful for those memories and that Ronnie was able to spend all those years with his family, watching Rhonda grow up, marry, and have children. I know he must have just loved those days and moments with his family. I have some pictures I will mail to Rhonda of her dad from when he was in grade school through his adult years. I know Rhonda will love seeing that same smile in his grade school photos as well as the rest of his family, including Ryan, son-in-law- and grandsons. I hope these mementos will bring some joy to their aching hearts. I am so sorry about Uncle Ronnie passing. My heart goes out to Rhonda, who I know cared well for her father and to Ryan his son, also his son-in-law, and grandsons. Sincerely, Vicki

Posted by Vicki Whitworth - Ochelata, OK - niece   February 16, 2012

I grew up with Ronnie, being cousins. I remember lots of time spent playing when we were kids. And later when he was staying with his mother, we did lots of visiting. It was a pleasure being his cousin.

Posted by Mary Jo Odell Buford - Bartlesville, OK - Cousin   February 16, 2012

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Rest in Peace

Posted by Nancy Thornbrugh Williams - Bartlesville, OK   February 16, 2012

I am so thankful that I got to meet Mr. Gray. He had such a kind and warm smile. He was always warm and friendly when I was around him. I will never forget how he lit up on the day of Rhonda and Mike's wedding. What he couldn't express in words he expressed with his eyes. He was so proud and happy for them!

Posted by Rhonda Lynn Chaffin - Spring Branch, TX   February 16, 2012

My wife Donna and I want to express to the family of Ronnie Gray that our condolences and sympathies in respect to the passing of Ronnie. I attended Ramona Schools with Ronnie in the 1st Grade and the 7th and 8th Grade. Anna May Cox ( another 1st cousin ) was in this same grade ) I remember Ron as a loving, happy and fun loving friend and cousin. When my family ( The Rev. James B. & Faith Gray family ) moved to Texas, I lost all contact with Ronnie and never regained. When we moved back to Bartlesville in 1964, I never regained my closeness to Ronnie. In returning back to the Dallas area in Nov. of last year, I wanted to regain my friendship with Ron. Now, that will not happen. I want to apologize to the family for my failure in reaching out to Ron down through the years. I pray for the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit to be with the family during this time of grief and adjustment. By the way, I also named one of my sons Ryan Gray who lives in Los Angeles. Prayers & Grace and Peace to you all. I wish one of you would phone me at 417-569-7782. Donny ( I now live in Grand Prairie, TX. )

Posted by Reveremd Dr. Don Paul Gray - Grand Prairie, TX - 1st cousin   February 16, 2012

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I knew Ronald Gray Seldom as Ron, sometimes as Dad, and almost always as Papa. He was very dear to me as a Father-in-Law and as a friend. The role I most admired him in was as Grandfather. It brought me great joy and pleasure to see how his always bright smile got even more luminous when his two Grandsons walked in to the room. He was always most happy whenever they were around. He has taught me the valuable lesson to always take in the simple joys of life no matter how hard your day has been. He always greeted me and everyone else, strangers and friends alike with the the warmest of smiles. He also said goodbye with that same sincere smile. I loved him dearly, and I will miss his hugs and smiles very much.
I love you Papa
Mike R. Chaffin

Posted by Mike Chaffin - Austin, TX - Son-In-Law    February 15, 2012

I remember Ronnie's sense of humor. Even after he was ill in 1996, you could tell him a old funny story and he still remembered it and he would laugh. He never lost his laugh.My heart goes out to my niece, Rhonda for her loss, as she has been caring for him and responsible for his care since 1996.

Posted by Tammy Allen - Thayer, KS - sister-in-law   February 15, 2012

When I was younger I remember spending a lot of time at the family place near Ramona. I remember my mom always telling Ronnie "Ronnie you get better looking every time I see you" . Ron would just smile. You could tell it pleased him, but kinda embarrassed him. I can still see that dark hair and smile of his. Sorry for his loss.

Posted by Linda Gifford - Midland, TX - cousin   February 15, 2012

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I will remember the very good times that we had growing up. Having lost my own father when I was 4. I can say that Ronnie was a great influence in my upbringing I gleaned alot of who I am by watching him teach his children. I am blessed to have know you, rest well

Jimmy

Posted by Jimmy Weaver - Bartlesville, OK - Family friend   February 15, 2012