Tom Gray

Thomas MacArthur Gray, 74, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2016, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Tom was born May 3, 1942, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He was the son of Thomas Benton and Opal Elizabeth (Barrett), Gray. Tom began and completed his education in Pawnee. Following high school, Tom joined the United States Army on January 26, 1960. Tom served his country valiantly during his two tours in Vietnam. On March 7, 1964, in Cleveland, Oklahoma, Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life Karen Ann Cochran. Tom was later honorably discharged on January 30, 1970. Upon his discharge Tom moved his family to the Cleveland area where he has continued to reside.

Upon his return, Tom began working at John Zink as a welder. In the early 80’s, Tom worked in the oil field and following the downturn in the oil field Tom accepted employment with Sherwood Construction for a short time. Tom later started mowing lawns or as a handyman independently for numerous people in the community.

Tom was a giver. He loved giving to those in need. Tom would often volunteer at the community food banks. Tom loved to travel and camp. He and Karen would go on trips for weeks at a time just seeing the countryside and admiring the beauty. Tom also enjoyed going to his daughters on Sundays to eat. Tom was a member of the 215 Hebron Lodge in Cleveland as well as a Shriner. Tom attended the First Assembly of God Church in Cleveland.

Survivors are his two daughters Pam Reynolds of Coweta, Oklahoma, Jessica Bates and her husband Pat of Osage, Oklahoma; one sister Judy Gragg of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; one brother Terry Gray of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandson Gene Reynolds, III of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death his wife Karen and two sisters Donna Gray Hitt and Betty Boyier.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday at the First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Dan Edens officiating. Burial will follow in the Osage Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com