Richard Ludlow Gray

Richard Ludlow Gray Sr., 76 of Del Rio, passed away July 7, 2015. Visitation will be 6 PM to 7:30 PM Friday, July 10, 2015 at the Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 AM Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Dennis McKinley, of San Angelo Cowboy Church officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Services are with Robert Massie Funeral Home. Richard was born on October 19, 1938 in San Angelo to Owen J. Jr. and Jimmie M. Gray. He attended Central High School, where he was very competitive in calf roping and even made nationals. After high school, Richard joined the United States Marine Corps. and after proudly serving his country, he was honorably discharge. His journey began in the oil and gas industry. His paramount was as a "wildcatter" where he discovered numerous unique oil fields. He was a "True Cowboy," participating in rodeo events, winning several World Championships titles. He acquired many everlasting friendships with his fellow participants. After his roping career, he continued his cowboy character by becoming a legendary cattle hauler for Winters Cattle Company of Del Rio. Richard had a blessed gift in building relationships with people from all walks of life with his gift of conversation. If you met Richard, you knew his smile and open hand shake. He was preceded in death by parents and daughters Virginia Kay Adams and Denise Stone. Richard is survived by: his soul mate and companion of 34 years Beverly K. Vaughan of Midland, daughter Vickie G. Brockette of Mesquite, sons Richard L. Gray Jr. and wife Marta of Miami, Florida and Jimmy Gray and wife Carrie of Midland, sisters Freda Connell of Spring, Reba Gray of San Angelo, and Carrie J. Aldridge of San Angelo, brother Owen J. Gray III of San Angelo, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends. As Richard would say "Forget the mule, Load the wagon." I know we are all feeling a little bit sad, That we've lost our Grandpa, our friend and our dad Together we have cried an ocean of tears As we feel so empty and hold many fears But Grandpa would want us to know he's in a good place And that he watching us all with a smile on his face As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be That he has raised such a beautiful and special family Thinking back now I really must say I feel lucky and privileged to have known Grandpa to this day For in my life, you have played a special part The memories I will treasure and keep close to my heart For me I am glad my little baby he got to meet And for all of us, be grateful, his life is now complete To each one of us he has loved and cared And family, be thankful for the good times we shared Although he has gone we will always be together And his spirit will live on in each one of us forever When you look to the sky, look for the brightest star As that will be Grandpa looking down on us from afar And now I would like to thank the good Lord above For blessing us with our Grandpa with his kindness and love Dear God, if it is not too much fuss Take extra special care of our Grandpa as he is very dear to us Grandpa, if you are listening say a prayer for us every day Be sure to protect us and guide us on our way We know when God called you, you had to go But we want you to know Grandpa we miss you and love you so Written By Christian Gray