Francis Herbert Gray Jr.

Francis Herbert Gray, Jr., best known as Herb, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at age 97. A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at his church, Colonial Hills United Methodist, 5247 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to this church at www.pushpay.com/g/chumcsanantonio.

Herb was profoundly grateful for the many blessings God bestowed upon him and his family. He and his family loved each other well.

Herb was dedicated to personal accomplishments by “making good things happen”. He was known for his deep gratitude and appreciation for the love, guidance, and assistance given him by family and others; and the many friendships and opportunities to serve others.

Especially noted: Doctors Robert Schnitzler and Aron Kumar Reddy for their care and helpful counsel; and the caring staff at Franklin Park Alamo Heights Memory Care, Seasons Memory Care, and Trinity Hospice.

Herb was a lifelong resident in San Antonio, TX.

He achieved the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts and graduated from Brackenridge High School (1945).

Herb enlisted at age 17 into active-duty service for the U.S. Navy (1946-1948). He was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class. He received an Honorable Discharge and a World War II Victory Medal. He then enlisted into the U.S. Navy Inactive Reserve (1948-1953) as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate P (Propeller Mechanic) Third Class and received an Honorable Discharge.

He graduated from Trinity University (1951) with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was a leader and served in numerous university activities including student council, class president, editor of the yearbook, and parade marshal.

He graduated from St. Mary’s University Law School (1971) with a Juris Doctorate degree and was a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Herb was devoted to his faith in God, his family, and his many friends. He was an active member of Colonial Hills United Methodist Church (1973-2025), served with the United Methodist Men, various church committees, and was a Forum Class teacher, member, and dear friend.

Herb proudly served a 40-year (1951-1991) federal civilian service career with the San Antonio Air Logistics Center (Kelly Air Force Base), in the Civilian Personnel Office. He was particularly pleased with his contributions to the Equal Opportunity Program. His top managerial leadership roles included Chief, Labor-Management Relations; Chief, Position Classification; Chief, Employment; and Chief, Employee and Managerial Development (Training).

After retirement, Herb led a family effort to conduct extensive genealogy research about his great-grandfather Edward Nixon Gray. He applied to the Texas Historical Commission which resulted in a historical marker erected at the former El Rancho La Gloria property in Duval County, TX. Further information is posted on Facebook at: Gray Reunion in Duval County, TX.

Herb was active in numerous professional, church, and San Antonio civic programs, serving in a variety of support and leadership roles.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn McKenzie Gray [San Antonio]; parents Francis Herbert Gray, Sr., and Alma Kirby Gray [San Antonio]; parents-in-law James Peyton McKenzie, Jr., and Maurine Chamberlain McKenzie [San Antonio]; brother and wife, Don and Daryll Gray [Austin, TX]; sister and husband, Margie and Bob Walz [Helotes, TX]; and great-grandson Everett Amburgey [Montgomery, TX].

Herb is survived by four children and respective spouses, eight grandchildren and respective spouses, and eleven great-grandchildren:

Kerry and Mark White (San Antonio, TX) and family:

• David and Melanee White (Woodway, TX) and family: Reilly, Suzette, and Piper

• Michelle White (San Antonio, TX) and family: Everton

Mark and Jeri Gray (Houston, TX) and family:

• Michael Gray (Boston, MA)

• Lindsay and Mike Russell (Bryan, TX)

Dianne Warren (San Antonio, TX) and family:

• Kelly and Brian Amburgey (Montgomery, TX) and family: Peyton, Shelbi, and Breelyn

• Cody and Hannah Warren (Houston, TX) and family: Whitman and Mary Frances

Steve and Shawn Gray (Rio Frio, TX) and family:

• Jacy and Tanner Pannell (Boerne, TX) and family: Sarah June and Allie

• Jake Gray (Portland, TX)