Jack Wendell Gray

1934 – 2023

Jack W. Gray peacefully passed from this life on December 23, 2024, at the age of 90, entering the

presence of his Lord and Savior. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend,

veteran, and devout Christian.

Those who knew Jack recognized him as a man of unwavering kindness, warmth, and humor, always

finding reasons to smile even in the most challenging of times. His genuine affection for others and his

ability to form lasting friendships left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Jack’s strength and courage

were evident throughout his life, and he showed his deep love for others by always stepping up to help

in whatever way was needed.

Born on January 8, 1934, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Jack was the firstborn of six children. He grew up in

Pollock, Louisiana, alongside his two brothers and three sisters. After the passing of his father, Jack

enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18, and proudly served in Germany during the Korean War. Upon

returning home, Jack moved to Texas, where he began his long and fulfilling career with the Southern

Pacific Railroad. It was during this time that he met and married his beloved Eddie Ruth Quarles ,

beginning a beautiful partnership that would last for 55 years. Together, they raised their children,

Stacey, Kimberly, and Howard Kelly, in Humble, Texas, where they became active members of the First

Baptist Church. Jack served as a Deacon and was also a member of the Shriners and a proud Free Mason.

Jack’s career with the Missouri Kansas & Texas Railroad continued to flourish, and he retired in 1986

after many years of dedication. After retirement, Jack and Eddie embraced a new chapter in their lives by

moving to Lufkin, Texas. There, they found a loving community at Trinity Baptist Church, where Jack

taught the Faith Class for many years. Jack’s commitment to helping others extended beyond his church,

as he generously tutored students and taught many people how to read. His passion for gardening

brought him great joy, and he spent countless hours among his mayhaws. After the passing of his

beloved Eddie in 2014, Jack found a new sense of belonging at the Pinecrest Retirement Community,

where he treasured his friendships with the residents and caregivers.

Above all, Jack was deeply devoted to his family. He leaves behind his daughters Stacey Holcomb and

Kimberly Gray, his son Howard Kelly Gray, his sisters Naomi Samples and Ruby Hartman, and his

grandchildren Grayson and Madison Silverman. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Eddie Ruth

Quarles; his parents, Howard and Velma Wall Gray; his brothers, Sam and Mike Gray; and his sister,

Marion Pratts.

A Memorial Service to honor Jack’s life will be held in Lufkin, Texas, Saturday, December 28,2024 at 3:00 PM in the Elwyn Marcus Gipson Chapel in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park Cemetery, 5202 South First Street Lufkin Texas 75901, with interment to follow in the cemetery.