Memorials › George Rayburn Gray

George Rayburn Gray

25 Aug 1940 – 5 Jul 2004

Birth25 Aug 1940
Death5 Jul 2004
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157604359

Bio

George Rayburn Gray was called home by his Lord on July 5, 2004, following an extended battle with cancer. He was 63. Rayburn was born at Gage, NM on August 25, 1940, to L.D. and Roxie Gray. He grew up on a farm south of Deming, and received his education at Sunshine School and Deming High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Liza Baker, in 1957. After farming with his father for several years, he moved his family to Bayard, where he and Liza operated the Cobre Sugar Shack. He later began working in the Shovel Repair Department at the Santa Rita copper mine, and retired from the Phelps Dodge Corporation in 1997. While his two sons were growing up, he coached Little League and Senior League baseball, and was a devoted supporter of his boys' school activities and sports. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a good bowler and golfer, and loved going on horseback pack trips into the Gila Wilderness. After his retirement, he and Liza enjoyed spending time up in the mountains around Alma, NM and Alpine, AZ. Rayburn was a Master Mason for over 42 years. He served as Master of Deming Lodge in 1968 and of Santa Rita Lodge in 2002. He was also an active member of the Deming and Grant County Shrine Clubs, York Rite, and Scottish Rite. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for MW Grand Master Fred Webb in 1999. He was a child of God and a follower of Christ at the Valley Community Church as both a member and Trustee. Rayburn was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and two uncles. He leaves behind his wife, Liza, of their home in Bayard; his sons, Kirk Gray and his wife, Cathy, of Safford, AZ and Paul Gray and his wife, Delfine, of Deming; two grandsons and their wives, Robert and Candice Gray and Christopher and Charity Gray, all of Phoenix, AZ; and two great-grandchildren, Keelee and Tyler. He also leaves three brothers and their wives: J.D. and Billie Gray of Safford, Jack and Janice Gray of Elephant Butte, NM, and Cal and Susie Gray of El Paso. He will also be missed by his two aunts, his cousins, four step-grand and -great grandchildren and several nephews and their families. Rayburn touched the lives of many people. He made strong friendships and will be greatly missed. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held to celebrate Rayburn's life at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Deming at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 9, with the Rev. Larimore K. Wickett officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Shrine Children's Hospitals may be made in care of Jack Coussons for the Deming Shrine Club or Bill Frazier for the Grant County Shrine Club. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Silver City, US Hwy. 180 East at Delk Drive.

Photos

Family

Parents

Export GEDCOM

This person only · Entire connected family