Joe Dean Gray

Joe was born October 21, 1931, in Calhoun County, Mississippi to the late Neetha and Walter Gray. He had three older brothers, Billie Bob, Sherwood, and Jamie.

On May 24, 1949, Joe enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served 26 years, retiring on June 30, 1975 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Joes service to his country carried him to many stateside assignments including tours in Mississippi, Texas, Alaska, Colorado, South Carolina, and Oklahoma. His overseas tours included Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, and a one year tour at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam.

While home on leave in 1954, Joe met the woman who would stand by his side for the rest of his life, Helen Ruth Martin, from Coffeeville, Mississippi. After a double date over ice cream and a short courtship, Joe and Helen were married on October 9, 1954 and immediately moved to San Antonio, Texas to begin their long life together.

Joe was a life-long golfer, spending many a day out on the course with his golf buddies Jim Strickland, Bob Zahorchak, Dave Shepherd, Greg Sloat, and Joe DeCarlos.

Joe Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Neetha and Walter Gray and brothers Billie Bob and Sherwood.

Joe is survived by the love of his life Helen; brother Jamie; daughter Cathy; son James; daughters-in-law Sandy and Lisa; grandchildren Chris, Evan, and Cameron; great-grandchildren Ayden, Ansleigh, and Annelise; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 11:00am, at Porter Loring Mortuary West, 1710 W. Loop 1604 N, San Antonio, TX 78251. A service will be held immediately following in the Porter Loring Chapel. A private burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. For those who were unable to attend, the services were recorded and may be viewed below:Click here to view the services.