Jeffrey Alan Autrey

JEFFREY ALAN AUTREY, 55, passed away on November 26, 2012, in Houston, Texas. He was born September 5, 1957, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and came to Houston at the age of 7 when his family, long-time Texas residents, returned to the area. Jeff was famous for his ready smile, quick wit, and unmatched sense of humor. A force of personality, he also had a deep and remarkable passion for life, family, work, and friends and was very much engaged in the Houston, Sugar Land, and Tiki Island communities he called home. For 23 years, Jeff's professional life centered on an outstanding career at Seismic Exchange, Inc., where he was Onshore Marketing Manager in Houston and worked with colleagues and friends whom he loved. Jeff was particularly fond of his many years as part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Parade Committee. Through his Rodeo activities or simply the quiet purchase of student works of art each year, he was an avid supporter of the charity aspects of the Rodeo, which fund art and educational opportunities for young people. He certainly enjoyed much in a life well lived – among them, hunting, fishing, and gourmet cooking – but he is best remembered for his devotion to his family.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Janet Nielsen Autrey; daughter, Emily; and son, Ross; his brother, Tom Autrey; sister-in-law, Vicky Autrey; and nieces, Diane Hackley, Allison Autrey, and Rebecca Autrey; his brother, Ken Autrey; sister-in-law, Elaine Autrey; and nieces and nephews, Tracy Autrey Josefovsky, Ryan Josefovsky, Kelly Autrey Townsend, and Austin Townsend. He is also remembered by the extensive Utah-based Nielsen family, as well as numerous friends and colleagues.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jeff's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 30, at Christ United Methodist Church, 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to LifeGift, a not-for-profit organ and tissue donation agency that recovers organs and tissues for people needing transplants in 109 Texas counties. Contributions can be made online at www.lifegift.org or by sending a check to the LifeGift Southest Region, 2510 Westridge St., Houston, TX 77054.