John Whitsett Gray

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be 1pm Monday, August 24, 2026 at Crossings Chapel.

A self-dictated obituary, written in gratitude for a long and blessed life.

I was born November 11, 1928, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the height of the Depression to John Murell Gray and Clara Whitsett Gray. I was blessed with a sister, Marisue Gray Beard, who was 13 months younger.

I attended grade school in Tulsa before moving to Oklahoma City, where I attended junior high and two years at old Classen High School. Instead of completing my senior year, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; because I was underage, my mother had to sign for me. After my enlistment, I returned to Oklahoma City and married my sweetheart, Cristeen Sarras. Nine years later, we were blessed with our son, John Mark Gray. Cristeen and I shared 58 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, family, and memories.

After military service, I returned to Oklahoma City and earned my high school degree. I attended Bethany Nazarene College, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a business degree. After four years in the business market, I followed the work I truly loved—construction. My mentor, Raymond Carter, a gifted designer and builder of contemporary homes, had a lasting influence on me. His inspiration can be seen in the homes I built across Northwest Oklahoma City, including Briarwood, Windsor Lakes, Lansbrook, Penn Park, Canyon North, Fox Run, Oakdale Farms, and Oaktree, as well as custom homes across the state. I also developed Timber Ridge in Edmond and built many state-chartered banks throughout Oklahoma.

In 1985, during the oil bust, I was living and building in Oaktree. I closed my business and moved to Hawaii, a place I had loved for many years and where I owned a home in Kailua Kona. I spent 20 happy years there, playing golf every day and enjoying the beauty of island life. We left Hawaii in 2004 after my wife and I were both diagnosed with cancer. I was cured, but my precious Cristeen passed away two years later.

In 2011, I met Karen Johns James, and I fell in love the moment I saw her. Karen brought new joy, adventure, and family into my life, including cruises, road trips, winter stays in Palm Desert, and the special blessing through her daughters giving us grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Life has been full of unexpected and beautiful surprises. Through Karen, I came to live in the home of my mentor, Raymond Carter—a fitting and meaningful circle in my life. Karen and I have shared a wonderful life together, and I know I am right where I am meant to be.

I am grateful, at peace, and ready to meet my Lord when He calls.

My Dad closed his eyes and opened them in Heaven in the early morning hours on August 17, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his beloved first wife, my mom.

He is survived by his son, John Mark (Patty) Gray, his wife, Karen; her daughters Marla (Scott) Cloos, Christy (Craig) Hock, and Janna (Terry) Brown; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and cousins, all of whom have added love and richness to his life.

Link to Crossings Chapel for funeral: vimeo.com https://vimeo.com/event/6125425

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Project 31 - an Oklahoma based breast cancer foundation - or the American Cancer Society.

Edited by JMG