Paul A Gray Jr.

Paul Adrian Gray, Jr. loving husband, father, and grandfather will be missed. Patriarch of the family he took care of both the present needs of his wife and family and looked forward to the future needs of his grandchildren. Although to some he appeared “uber-cranky” he had a goofy side and a wonderful sense of humor which we all remember fondly.

Paul was born and spent his childhood in San Diego, CA. After graduating from Hoover High, he attended the Universisity of California, Berkeley. While on a trip home from college, he met his future bride, Virginia Jean at a beach party. They were married in 1951 just before Paul graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Paul's professional career was spent with Shell Oil Company. After a couple years of marriage Paul and Virginia were blessed with daughter Janet Yvonne. Four years later they were blessed again with their daughter Pamela Jean. Paul's work brought his family to many different towns and cities from coast to coast. While working in Research and Development he helped develop a process for cold water detergent and a specialized catalyst both of which were patented. After a long career with Shell he retired in 1986.

He enjoyed fishing trips with family and especially enjoyed fishing in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Taking cruises was a particular favorite of Paul and Virginia after retirement. Paul, although a Houston resident for 40 years, always considered San Diego his hometown and spent many weeks a year in their family home on Sunset Cliffs.

Investments and football took most of his time at home, which brought him great pleasure and sometimes angst. Throughout his life he was an active participant in the Episcopal Church. In his last years what made him happiest was the presence of family and friends, and especially the smile and laughter of his wife, Virginia. We will miss his cheerful Hi-Dee-Ho when we arrive for a visit and his smiling face and the twinkle in his eyes.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandson, Paul Saender Beck. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia Jean Gray, his daughters Janet Beck and her husband Stephen Beck, Pamela Fink and her husband Craig Fink, and granddaughters Anna Beck and partner Laura Lawler, Katie Jennings and husband Brandon Jennings, Sarah Beck and partner Richart Schug.