Earl Thomas Grayson

1952 - 2016

MIDLAND - Earl Thomas Grayson, 63, a New Orleans native, passed away of cardiac arrest, and without suffering, on April 26, 2016 at his home in Midland, Texas. Earl had three careers: a symphony trumpet player, an optometrist, and a life-long astronomer and astro-photographer. Earl studied music and astronomy at LSU after earning a degree in Psychology at University of New Orleans. After winning the concerto competition at LSU, Earl became First Chair trumpeter for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. He earned a doctorate of optometry at U.A. Birmingham. Because he needed a dry climate for his astronomy, he moved to Midland, and started his optometry practice of 25 years, at which he worked until the day he died.

Earl attended St. Christopher Elementary in Metairie, LA and Rummel high School. In high school, Earl played in Soul Merchants, a rock back, for whom he did horn arrangements. After the death of a much older brother, Steve, Earl was the cherished only child of Steve and Amelia Grayson, both of New Orleans.

Earl built his own astronomical observatory at his second home in Fort Davis, Texas, where he and Frances enjoyed the mountain scenery and clear dark skies, his window to the universe. Possessed of a piercing intelligence, Earl remembered ordinary and extraordinary events of his entire lifetime by exact date. Despite distance, Earl remained in frequent contact with his childhood friends from New Orleans, and musicians and astronomers he worked with. From stardust to stardust, so Earl returns.

Earl is survived by his beloved spouse of 23 years, Frances Gonzales, and her children and their grandchildren, for whom he adored and would always have a story about his grandsons, Aldrick, Derick, Benjamin Rodriguez and Bryan Gonzales. Anybody would say that he bragged about their grandsons non-stop and he was a steady and supportive presence. He is also survived by stepson, Angelo Gonzales and wife, Roxann; and stepdaughter, Adina Rodriguez and husband, Ben.

He is preceded in death by brother, Steven Grayson; father, Steve Grayson; and mother, Amelia Grayson.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland. A funeral mass will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, April 29, 2016 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Midland. A memorial service in New Orleans is to be announced.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards all the prayers and support of friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Texas Astronomers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.