James Edward "Eddie" Gray Jr.

James Edward "Eddie" Gray, Jr. February 13, 1961 – September 7, 2025
James Edward "Eddie" Gray, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 64, following a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma. He fought the good fight, finished his race, and kept the faith.
Born in Longview, Texas, on February 13, 1961, Eddie was the beloved son of James "Jim" Edward Gray, Sr. and Joyce Elizabeth Dean. Raised in a loving Christian home, Eddie was an only child who cherished time with his grandparents, extended family, and his loyal dog, Zip, a gift from his grandparents, Bonnie and Lewis Gray.
Eddie spent his formative years in Lufkin, Texas, where he built lifelong friendships and embraced the simple joys of childhood: playing with Army men and GI Joes, visiting his grandparents Ray and Tommie Dean, and attending First United Methodist Church of Lufkin. He proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a reflection of his dedication and character.
His love for music and sports was lifelong. At Lufkin Intermediate and Lufkin High School, Eddie played baseball and basketball, participated in FFA, and raised a cow named EJ-after Elton John. He loved attending concerts, discovering new artists, and always had a fun fact ready about whoever was playing on the radio. As an adult, he often spent his free time watching music videos on YouTube and concert DVDs.
Eddie studied business at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he joined Theta Chi fraternity and met the love of his life, Kristen Ingrid Maurstad. His college years were filled with unforgettable experiences, serving as Pledge Master, becoming scuba certified, and working as a Miller beer representative. He often reminisced about those days with fondness and laughter.
Eddie and Kristen married on July 28, 1984, and were blessed with three beautiful children: Evan Quinn, Joel Edward, and Mari Ingrid Gray. They made their home in Dallas, where Eddie began his career at Texas Instruments. He later worked for Boeing, Safran, and concluded his career at Bell Helicopter. Known for his integrity and gift for relationship-building, Eddie thrived in client negotiations. Through his profession, he was introduced to United Way, an organization he deeply supported. He served on the employee engagement committee and loved brainstorming creative ways to involve his coworkers, once even dressing as Santa Claus.
A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Eddie enjoyed sports talk radio, football conversations with his sons, and collecting sports cards, a joy he recently shared with his grandson, Benjamin James, creating a treasured memory in his final days. He found immense joy in coaching his children's sports teams, always going the extra mile: replacing helmet facemasks to match pro teams, treating players to Sonic after games, and recognizing each child with personalized awards.
Eddie was passionate about mentoring others, especially young professionals, and offered career guidance to his children with wisdom and care. When he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, the outpouring of support from colleagues and community was overwhelming. "Inspire someone" became the rallying cry of Eddie's team, a reflection of the impact he had on those around him.
Eddie is preceded in death by his father, James "Jim" Edward Gray, Sr.; his son, Evan Quinn Gray; his grandparents Bonnie and Lewis Gray, and Albert Ray and Tommie Elizabeth Dean; and his in-laws, Duane Virgil Maurstad and Talma Levy Maurstad. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and integrity that will live on in the hearts of his mother Joyce, his wife Kristen, their children, grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends.
Eddie was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a memorial fund for the American Cancer Society.