Michael J. Gray

Mike or as he was nicknamed “Big Dawg” is survived by his three children; Kristan Cartlidge and her husband Hank of Austin, Texas, Marque Gray and Christopher Gray both of Pattonville, Texas; and his precious grandson, Treyson Cartlidge; siblings, Rev. Richard Gray of Livingston, Texas, Rev. Peter Gray of Paris, Texas, Martha Smikal of Port Arthur, Texas, Jessie Gray of Fannett, Texas, and Rev. Rodney Gray of Dayton, Texas.

Mike is preceded in passing by his beloved parents, Rev. R.T. Gray and Martha Joyce Bean Gray.

Mike’s children shared that their Dad loved God, his family and cheering on his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. His favorite pastimes included watching old westerns, cop shows and wrestling matches. In his younger days, Mike spent most of his time wheeling and dealing as a car salesman. He loved cars and a good deal, so this was a highlight of his life. Of late, he spent a lot of time playing what his boys teased him as being annoying games on his phone and listening to good Christian music. The best thing Mike did though, was spending time in the Word by listening and reading every day in his Bible app. His favorite verse being Deuteronomy 6:5 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

For all of his humanity, Mike had a heart that desired to be in the house of the Lord worshipping his maker. His Mother and Father taught him, to put God first and family next. He taught those same values by his example when he gave his life to Jesus as a young boy. Without a doubt, that was the best choice Mike ever made.

Family will receive friends Thursday, April 16, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., until the start of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Funeral will be held at Port Acres United Pentecostal Church located at 2725 FM 365, Port Arthur, Texas.

Rev. Richard Gray, Rev. Peter Gray, Rev. Rodney Gray, and his Pastor Rev. Chad McQueen will be officiating. Interment will follow at Trout Creek Cemetery located at 1405 FM 1004, Call, Texas.

Pallbearers are Austin Durbin, Caleb Gray, Jody Gray, Ashton McQueen, Cayden McQueen, Jaxon McQueen, Tommy Scott, and Andrew Smikal.

To enable his local friends and church family to celebrate his life, First Pentecostal Church will host a memorial service on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., FPC of Paris is located at 3197 FM 1497, Paris, Texas.