Lester "LR" Raymond Gray

Lester was born April 5, 1942, in San Saba, Texas. He was the last of three children to Frank Raymond Gray and Gertrude Foster Gray. He spent most of his childhood in Austin, Texas attending O Henry Middle School and Austin High School. He played football and developed many of his lifelong friendships during these years. After graduation in June of 1961, Lester moved to Fort Worth to attend Texas Christian University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In May of 1968 he graduated from TCU with a degree in Business Administration. During his college years Lester joined the Army National Guard and was discharged in 1970. While living back in Austin after college, Lester was introduced to the love of his life, Cathy Hudgins, by good friends. They married in October of 1973. In 1977 they were blessed with a son, followed by two daughters in 1979 and 1982. They were a social and fun couple, who spent a great amount of time with family, as well as friends who were like family, on trips and in each other's homes. They raised their kids to appreciate and nurture close relationships. Their marriage was not without struggles, yet they loved and supported each other till the end. Many years of his professional life were spent in residential and commercial construction in Houston and Austin. During summers home from college and many weekends in his adult life, Lester spent much of his free time at his family ranch in Cherokee, Texas. Lester ran the family ranching business for many years, personally working livestock alongside many of his lifelong friends. He was a true cowboy who loved the country, adventure, hard work, the land, and all animals. The ranch was his happy place and he loved to tell stories of the land to all who would listen. He was a Christian and his faith was an important part of who he was. Lester loved his family and was very selfless and giving with his loved ones, usually giving to others before worrying about himself. He was kind and rarely spoke badly of others. He was stubborn and proud and did not like to ask for help. Lester loved to hunt and fish, with a love for saltwater fishing. He had an appreciation for good food and drinks, especially margaritas and whiskey. Lester loved country music, specifically classic country. His best party trick was singing “Strawberry Roan” from memory. Lester was a man of few words until you got to know him. He was a jokester and loved to tease those who he loved; especially Cathy. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and lived life to the fullest in every way.

He is survived by his son Clay Gray, daughter Rebecca Gillespie; son-n-law Isaac Gillespie; daughter Catherine Gray; granddaughters, Harper, Jillian, and Eva Gillespie; Sister Elizabeth Johnson; Brother George Gray; his 2 beloved yellow labs; many extended family members and countless friends who were his family.

Lester is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Cathy Gray; his father, Frank Raymond Gray; mother, Gertrude Foster Gray. Honorary Pallbearers are Clay Gray, Isaac Gillespie, Nicky Morris, Billy K Thomson, Duff Schempf, Bill Marshall, Barry Gannaway, Charlie Fowler, and Shep Gump.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday July 5th from 5-8 PM, Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704.

Services will be held Sunday July 7th at 1:00, Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704.

The graveside service and burial will be held 1:00 PM, Monday July 8th, Gray Cemetery, 3023 RM-501 Cherokee, TX 76832.