Jefferson Davis Gray, Jr., 83, of Johnson City, Texas passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Rest in peace my friend.

Jefferson was born on January 7, 1935, in Ennis, Texas to Sarah Ione and Jefferson Davis Gray, Sr.  He grew up on a dairy farm, graduated from Ennis High School and attended Texas A&M University.  Jefferson was a retired Army Veteran and also a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.

In the Army Jeff held command positions at Headquarters Battery, Range Command, McGregor Guided Missile Range, Company Commander of a Basic Training unit and Battery Commander of a Field Artillery unit in Vietnam. Jeff was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm (2 awards), Republic of Vietnam campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars. After 20 years of military service he retired with the grade of Major.

Jeff created beautiful wooden boxes and enjoyed woodworking and he and his wife Kathleen exhibited their work nationwide. He also enjoyed organic gardening and genealogy, devoting a great deal of time to researching his family history. Jeff loved his cats and liked sitting on the deck enjoying his place in the Hill Country.

Survivors include his wife of twenty-four years, Kathleen Marie Wilson of Johnson City; son, Jefferson Davis Gray III of Arlington, TX ; brothers and sister Jerry Gray, Sam Gray and Linda Gray; grandchildren Candice Gray Harris, Bradley Gray and Benjamin Gray; great grandson, Dexter Harris and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Jeff is preceded in death by son Michael Gray and Grandson Joshua Gray; brothers Bill Gray, Charles Gray, Robert Gray; sister Sallie Hutton and first wife Barbara Gray.

A Military graveside services will be conducted at a later date in June at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.  A Memorial Service also will be held at a later date at the family's home in Johnson City.