Gray, Phillip M.
Obituary
Phillip Morris Gray, born March 19, 1950 to Morris James Gray, and Birma Marie Craven Gray, in Arthur City, Lamar County, Texas, in their home. Phil was a Math Genius, Pocket Billiard Expert, Quail Hunter, Fisherman, Gambler, Baseball Player, and Salesman. Phil loved to Quail and Turkey hunt with his father at the Beverly Ranch in Chillicothe Texas, at the Army Corps of Engineers Land at Pat Mayse Lake in Lamar County, and at Lake Whitney in Hill County. Phil was an eyewitness to history, as he, and his school buddies decided to ditch school on November 22nd, 1963. They were standing on the Northeast corner of Houston and Elm, as The President, John F. Kennedy, his wife Jackie, The Governor of The State of Texas, John Connelly, and his wife Nellie, took a fateful drive, that beautiful fall day. That weekend, while Phil was watching live television, with his Mom, he witnessed Jack Ruby, shoot Lee Harvey Oswald. Phil was so shaken, that he spilled a hot cup of coffee in his lap. He was 13 years old. At the age of 14 Phil worked at the Alamo Pool Hall in Cockrell Hill, for time to play on the pool tables. In 1962, at the Grand Opening of Bronco Bowl Entertainment Center, while waiting for an available pool table, he watched the beautiful Jayne Mansfield, as she sign autographs, while she sat atop the shoe rental counter. Playing pool came naturally to Phil. He played with the best: Willie Mosconi, who set the world record by running 526 consecutive balls without a miss during a straight pool exhibition. Clarence “Titanic” Thompson: He traveled the country wagering at cards, dice games, golf, shooting, billiards, horseshoes and proposition bets of his own devising. Buddy (The Rifleman ) Hall, Dick Lane, Efran Reyes, Earl “The Pearl” Strickand, Bob Vanover, Craig Stevens, and the worst, Me(wife, Martha). Back in Persia there was a little boy being raise among the Palm , Date, Fig and Pomegranate Trees. Who would have ever imagined that an Oak Cliff Kid, and this little fella from the other side of the world, would grow up to be the Best of Friends. You were always a bright spot in his day, Eddie Bahrami, our dear friend. God Bless you, your wife Vickie, and your entire family. He began his work career at Texas Instruments during the Vietnam War years. From there he became a Quality Manager at AA Manufacturing, Logic Design Metals, and Electrospace Systems, where he traveled the country, as a Procurement Inspector for Government Contractors. When the company relocated to Waco, he began to follow his passion of buying and selling at Southlake Texas Market. He truly loved the Art of the Deal. Phil is survived by his mother, Birma Marie Gray, his only sister, Tina Marie Pratt, nephew Joseph Morris Pratt, niece, Layla, his wife, Martha Gray, son, Christopher Crutcher, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Crutcher, father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Burgett, mother-in-law, Julie Burgett, brother, Eddie Tolotti, sister-in-law, Janice Tolotti, his granddaughter, Mikaela Crutcher, sister- in- law Vonda Burgett, Brittney Brawner, Chloe, Brother & sister in Christ, Paul and Sheri Debord, Anthony Craven, Gregg and Misty. Charlotte and Merle Vanderburg, Jennifer and Patrick, Louise Cooper, Patricia and JoNell, Robbie Henson, Christy and Chad, Joann Davis, and Teresa, Judy Adcock, and Jayne Nutt, numerous nieces & and nephews, friends. Thank you Ross & Lesa Weidenkeller, Diane Bird, Jerry & Darleen Miller, Kathleen Cherry, and Nick & Colleen Campbell for always being there for us. In lieu of flowers please give directly to a person in need, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700
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Love to you while you are recovering from this loss. Phil was the best thing that ever happened to you. You are the best! Love you!