JOHN WAYNE GRAY (OHS 1960)  
 

John W. Gray, 80, of Tulsa, entered into God's kingdom on October 29th 2022. 

John was born on August 8, 1942 in Oklahoma City, OK to loving parents Thelma and Johnnie Nathaniel. John grew up in Odessa, TX, graduating from Odessa High School in 1960 and then earning his Bachelor of Arts and MBA degrees from Central State University. 

John was a very proud Colonel in the US Army. A veteran of 40 years, John served his county as a Green Beret, a medic, a member of the Special Forces, and as a part of the Air Operations Airborne team. John was also a member of the Jenks Masonic lodge where he served as the Worshipful Master. In 1983, John met and married the love of his life, Lin. John was a devoted husband and his love for Lin no doubt extends to eternity. They worked together, side by side, for more than 20 years as the owners of a local restaurant, where they met many dear friends and mentored countless young employees. After retiring from the restaurant business, John became a real estate agent whose goal was to help young couples find their dream home. 

John was a devout Christian and reflected his faith by serving the Lord in retirement. John was enthusiastic about teaching bible studies for his dear friends. Asbury Church, its pastors, and the life-long friends made there were the things he loved most. He also enjoyed going to his weekly breakfast with friends, traveling with his wife, and reading anything he could get his hands on - the library will miss him. Most of all, however, John enjoyed being an amazing Opa to his grandchildren. Whether he was cheering them on from the sidelines or enjoying a family meal, he was their biggest champion. 

John is survived by his wife, Lin; his children and their spouses, Kelly (Rick) Wilkerson, Josh (Shayla) Dunlap, Crissie (Kirk) Hasenzahl, Julie (Jay) Ludlam, and; his grandchildren, Marley Wilkerson, India (Stephen) Rouse, Vann (Stephanie) Wilkerson, Maverick Dunlap, Hannah and Cole Hasenzahl, Josie and Jack Ludlam; and his sister, Lou Ann Rabe (OHS 1958). John was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Gray and father, Johnnie Gray. 

A celebration of life will take place at the Mason Chapel at Asbury Church on Monday, November 7th at 2:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association online at www.heart.org

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK. Family and friends may send condolences and share memories at schaudtfuneralservice.com

Published by Tulsa World on Nov. 6, 2022.