Jerry Mac Gray went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 22, 2024, at his home in Rockwall, Texas at the age of 84. He was born on his grandfather, J.R. McMahan’s farm, in Weaver, Hopkins County, Texas on September 9, 1939, to Silas Alexander Gray and Amanda Ellen McMahan and was the fourth of five boys.
Jerry graduated from Saltillo High School in 1957. While in school he developed a strong passion for music. After teaching himself to play guitar he began performing on shows hosted by radio stations throughout northeast Texas, including KSST in Sulphur Springs as well as stations in Mount Pleasant, Tyler and Paris. He also performed at the Lowry Variety Show in Mount Vernon and at Bob Shelton’s Reilly Springs Jamboree where he rubbed elbows with future country stars including George Jones. In February 1959 Big Town Mall opened, in Mesquite. It was the first enclosed shopping mall in the Southwest and Jerry performed for the grand opening. He remained a fan of classic country music his entire life and enjoyed talking about the old stars.
While attending to his mother in the hospital he met Frances June Johnson who was working as a nurse’s aide. They would marry on December 21, 1963, and spent the next 60 years together. They were blessed with two sons, Anthony and Jeffrey. Jerry spent over 60 years working. Most of those years were spent in the auto-parts industry as a manager at Jacks Auto Supply, Western Auto, and most recently AutoZone retiring at the age of 82.
In addition to his interest in music, Jerry was also a Dallas Cowboys fan. But his true joy came from his family, and spending time with his sons and grandchildren. Jerry had a gentle spirit and set an amazing example of a life devoted to hard work and the care and support of his family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Gene and Murrell. He is survived by his wife, Frances Johnson Gray, his sons Anthony (wife Francie), Jeffrey (wife Rebecca), his grandchildren, Brock, Presley, and Jacey, his two brothers Dean (wife Sandra), and Paul Gray, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Jerry will be Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM, which will be followed by the funeral service, and held at The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243. A private burial will follow.
