Bryant Edward Gray was born Dec. 6, 1943 to Arte M. and Lois (Sims) Gray in Blue, Okla. He departed this life on Feb. 20, 2021 in Durant, Okla. at the age of 77 years. He was of the Christian faith and was baptized on Oct. 1, 1991.
Bryant was a 1962 graduate of Blue High School. He also attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.
He was a third generation sawyer and owner of Gray’s Sawmill in Durant. He grew up working at the sawmill after school and during the summers. While employed by his father, A.M., he was also a logger. He became the owner of the business in 1981 and worked there until his retirement in 2007.
Bryant was a life member of the Durant Elks Lodge. He was also an avid bowler and participated in a competitive bowling league. He was proud to have bowled a perfect game, scoring 300. He won many prizes and trophies.
Bryant owned a home and several acres in Blue, Okla., including the original property where he was born. For many years he raised cattle and spent his extra time caring for and maintaining his land. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
His family teased he must have had nine lives. At the age of 22, he lost his eye to malignant melanoma. In 1978, his pelvis and legs were crushed by a track loader in a logging accident. He was also involved in several automobile accidents, including a semi-truck rollover. Each accident served only to make him more ornery. Bryant was small in stature, but as tough as they come.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Gray of Durant, Okla.; children: Keith Gray of Durant, Okla., Chad Gray and wife Lori of Durant, Okla., Corey Jackson and wife Kristina of Dallas, Texas, Chase Jackson of Austin, Texas; brother, David Gray of Plano, Texas; sister, Janie Bates and husband Mike of Sherman, Texas;
brother and sister-in-law: Butch Galloway of Durant, Okla. and Patty Hughes of Pottsboro, Texas; grandchildren: Gavin Gray of Norman, Okla., Eran Gray of Durant, Okla., Emalynn Taylor of Sherman, Texas, Elaina and Austen Gray of Durant, Okla., Christian and Kassidy Jackson of Dallas, Texas; aunt, Nell Regnior of Lakeside, Calif.; four nieces, one nephew and several cousins, extended family and friends.
Bryant was preceded in death by his parents, A.M. and Lois Gray and sister-in-law, Gail Gray.
A memorial service for Bryant E. Gray will be held on Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at the Durant Elks Lodge Banquet Hall (West Door), located at Hwy 70 W and Gates Ave. in Durant, Okla.
Arrangements under the care of Gordon Funeral Home.
