Troy G. Gary
Troy Gray, Ret. Lt. Colonel, USAF passed away peacefully on February 28,
2023 in Albuquerque, NM from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Troy lived 84 active filled years. Born in Hodge, Louisiana to Cascile and Leon Gray June 8, 1938. In 1956 Troy graduated from Sherman Texas High School, in 1960 completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa, then received his master’s degree from Highlands University in 1986.
He married Dianne Hart in 1960 and had three children: Steven, Scott, and Tamara.
Lt. Colonel Gray served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1985, retiring in Albuquerque, NM.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dianne; children: Scott Gray (Chrisann) and Tamara Berft (Greg); sister: Barbara Bell (Lloyd); grandchildren: Jeremy Reed, Kaleigh Roberts (Jarrid), Morgen McBrayer (Desiree), Cory Gray (Patricia), Tara Gray (Jack), Zack Berft (Beth), and Marley Berft (Ryan); great-grandchildren: Mikayla, Adisen, Emmalyn, Madison, Destiny and Sawyer.
Troy was preceded in death by his parents; Leon and Cascile Gray; son, Steve Gray; sisters: Linda Foster and Brenda Meath; granddaughter Meghan McBrayer, and grandson Cooper Gray.
Troy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He especially enjoyed being with family and friends. He was an active member in the community and loved to volunteer, including 20 years at the VA Hospital where he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. His wife was the light of his life and he will truly be missed by all.
Troy had a passion for golf and traveling. He was an avid fan of the Lobos and the Dallas Cowboys. Troy watch many hours of youth football, basketball, soccer, cheerleading events, swim and track meets, with both his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Troy acquired a patent on "hole in one tool" for electricians creating Gray Manufacturing with his son, Steve.
Troy’s Life Celebration will begin on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church located at 1500 Chelwood Park Blvd NE, 87112. Full military honors will be presented at his graveside service Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N Guadalupe St, 87501. Both services will be live-streamed though Salazar Mortuary’s Facebook page links below. You do NOT need a Facebook account to view the livestreams.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Wounded Warrior Project or The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
To view Troy’s full obituary please visit www.salazarfunerals.com.