Roxie June Gray

Roxie was born September 4, 1935 in a little one room farm house between Sudan and Muleshoe, Texas. The doctor (named Foot) came out for the delivery which took place behind an old bed sheet that was hung to divide the ‘labor room’ from the waiting room. Isn’t 70 years of technology great? In 1935, Roxie’s dad bought a brand new 1936 Ford pick-up. This vehicle was the family’s only mode of transportation for many years. When he died, cousin Marvin Bounds of Hobbs, NM restored the old family heirloom.

Her early childhood was spent on this little farm where her dad farmed for his dad. She & Aunt Mary Lou were best buddies.

During World War II they moved to St. Vrain, NM. Still no electricity or indoor plumbing – only ration coupons and war bonds. Baby sister Pat was born while they lived here.

Next move was to Ft. Sumner, NM at age 8. Times were good and there was electricity. Still, no indoor plumbing – but there was a water pump in the kitchen. Only brother, Tony was born here – and later little sister Dixie joined the family.

Roxie graduated high school in Ft. Sumner in 1953 and worked her way through three semesters at ENMU in Portales. While in college she was chosen to represent ENMU at a Ted Mack Amateur Hour talent search in Lubbock. 1^st prize was $500 – Roxie was so sure she would win that she & her roommate rode the bus to Lubbock, spent all their money and when she did NOT win, they hitch hiked to the Greyhound bus station where Roxie played her dobro and sang songs while her roommate passed the hat. They made enough money to get tickets home.

Roxie was married in 1954 to Johnny (Bud) Gray and moved to Yuba City, CA. While she was in Yuba City, little sister, Debbie was born. She didn’t meet Debbie until the couple moved back to Ft. Sumner in 1955. Her son Chip Gray was born in 1956 in Ft. Sumner.

The Gray family moved to Albuquerque, NM. This is where her daughter, Miki was born in 1964. While in Albuquerque, Roxie went to work for Xerox Corp. A career would begin and last almost 30 years. Roxie progressed from Order Entry Clerk to dispatcher in Albuquerque-transferred to Seattle, Washington as dispatcher, then dispatch supervisor. She then transferred to Santa Clara, CA. as Work Support Manager and then Customer Service Field Manager. While in Albuquerque, Roxie was hired as an extra in the Anthony Quinn movie, “Flap”. She has his autograph and had lunch with Claude Aikens.

While living in San Jose, and working in Santa Clara – Roxie became a partner in a Sprint Car (#80) – the race team was several families pooling their resources for an expensive hobby. Also, while in San Jose, Roxie served as a secretary for the CCWMA (California Country & Western Music Association). She performed a country song with the famous Tex Williams at a benefit. It was in San Jose that both of her grandchildren were born. Candice and Gary Stout (These little guys were and are still special to her).

She is survived by one son, Gary (Chip) Gray from Unicoi, Tennessee; daughter, Miki Price and husband John from Midland, TX; she has two precious grandchildren, Candice Couch and husband Josh, Gary Stout; two great grandkids, Kylie and Roxie; three sisters, Pat, Dixie & Debbie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Murray and Jimmie McGuyer and a brother, Tony of Hesperia, California.

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

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