Mr. George Papaw George & Daddy Gray Edwill Gray

George was born September 22, 1931, to Bennett A. Gray and Oma (Parish) Gray. George was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and Fairview Methodist Church. He was a rancher and enjoyed caring for his horses. He was a retired pipefitter with Local #211. George was an avid Longhorn fan. Later in life he owned and operated with his wife Pansy the Happy Junction General Store in Garrison, Texas. George never met a stranger and he will be missed by those who knew him.

Survivors: his wife, Pansy Gray of Garrison; children, Wanda Copeland and husband Robert of League City, Texas, Rhonda Milam and husband Jim of Nacogdoches, Texas, Sandy Byers and husband Tony of Vidor, Texas, Michael Sowell and wife Pam of Center, Texas; sisters: Bennie Jean Webber of Houston, Texas, Molly Hoke of New Caney, Texas, Carolyn McMann of Katy, Texas; grandchildren: Lezli Tonnies, Graylan Crain, Katie Graham, Robert Copeland III, Joshua Copeland, Matthew Copeland, Christina Sowell, Lynn Burns, Tommy Byers, Bradley Byers, Michael Sowell, Ashlee Sowell; great-grandchildren: James Tonnies, Ryan Tonnies, Chasey Finklea, Cassy Finklea, Kade Graham.

George was preceded in death by his parents; children: George Ronald Gray and Randy R. Sowell and one sister: Mary Lou Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 9, at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Rick Russell officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Copeland, Joshua Copeland, Robert Copeland III, Graylan Crain, Michael Sowell and Tommy Byers.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Thursday, July, 8, 2010 at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.