John Cameron Gray

Born and raised in West Virginia, John was the fourth of six children born to Ray Howard Gray and Annie Morris Gray. During a lunch break in high school, he met the love of his life, Sarah Jane McCoy. John often said that the moment he saw Sarah, he knew she was the one. They married after high school and shared 60 wonderful years together, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion. As a young family, John and Sarah lived throughout West Virginia and Virginia before making Amarillo, Texas, their permanent home in the fall of 1973. In 1975, John became one of the first employees hired at the Asarco Copper Refinery when it began operations. He dedicated more than 30 years to the company before retiring. Throughout his career, he was an active member of the United Steelworkers Union, serving as both a Board Member and Financial Officer, where he earned the respect of his coworkers through his integrity and commitment. John took great pride in his family, especially when both of his children chose to serve in the United States military. Their service gave him the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and many destinations throughout the United States. While he enjoyed seeing the world, one place always held a special place in his heart—Las Vegas. Whether playing craps, blackjack, or trying his luck at the roulette wheel, John embraced every visit with enthusiasm and usually seemed to have luck on his side. In his later years, John's greatest joy came from spending time with his family and his lifelong friends, Larry and Anne Boyer. Friday lunches, laughter, and spirited conversations about his beloved Dallas Cowboys and the upcoming football season became treasured traditions that always brought a smile to his face.

John is survived by his son, John Cameron Gray Jr. and wife, Melanie Gray; his daughter, DeAnna Lynn Gray; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brothers, James, Joseph, and Jeffery Gray; his sister, Judith Gray McCoy; and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sarah Jane McCoy Gray, on April 11, 2024; his father, Ray Howard Gray, on February 19, 1988; his mother, Annie Morris Gray, on November 27, 2002; and his brother, Ray Gray Jr., on May 20, 2018.

John will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, hardworking provider, and a man who lived with quiet strength, a generous heart, and an unwavering love for his family. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the memories that will be cherished for generations to come. Burial will take place at Bluemont Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia.