Evelyn Gray

Evelyn Marie Grizzle Gray, 93, of Orange, Texas formerly of Beeville passed away on March 22, 2013. Evelyn was born on February 17, 1920 in San Antonio, TX to Harvey Hobson and Annie Harriet (Hobbs) Grizzle. Evelyn graduated from A. C. Jones High School in 1937 when a formal education included only 11 grades. Evelyn married Percy Davis (P.D.) Gray on October 2, 1940. They started their great adventure in life together by eloping to Kenedy, TX. Evelyn worked for the newly formed Social Security Board as a young newlywed. After working there for several years, she worked in conjunction with P.D. starting a business remodeling and building homes, Evelyn was soon in the thick of things, designing custom homes and drawing all of the plans. During a vacation to visit family in Arkansas in the 1940's they noticed a Dairy Queen, which they had never seen before. They soon decided that building a one in Beeville would be the thing to do. They opened the doors to one of the first Dairy Queens in Texas in 1949, which they owned and operated until 1979. Evelyn had many hobbies and talents. She enjoyed ceramics in her early years and later enjoyed oil and watercolor painting and designing stained glass pieces. Evelyn spent many hours working on family genealogy for both sides of the family. Evelyn never seemed to slow down and always had a project she was working on. She was a member of St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, TX and former member of First Christian Church in Beeville, TX. She was past president of Beeville Art Guild, past president of The Soroptimist Club, a member of The Garden Club, The Red Hat Club of Orange, and The Orange Singles Club. Evelyn was a lifelong animal lover and always had at least one pet underfoot at all times. She had a special rapport with cats and they gave her great joy in her life. Any animal that was fortunate enough to wander up to Evelyn's home would be well taken care of and showered with attention. She was a staunch supporter of The Humane Society and donated to their South East Texas Branch. She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Annie Grizzle, husband P.D. Gray, and two grandsons, Jeremy Ryan Stone and Bryan Davis Stone. She is survived by her son, Gary (Alyce) Gray of Beeville; daughters, Cheryl (Jerry) Stone of Orange and Connie Bell of Austin; granddaughter, Kristy Stone Berry (Troy) of Bridge City; two great grandsons, Bryson Constance and Ryker Berry; sister, Frances Carlisle of Papalote and brother, Dennis (Earline) Grizzle of Victoria, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services followed at Glenwood Cemetery with Rev. Vivian Woods officiating. Donations may be made in Evelyn's memory to the Humane Society of South East Texas P.O. Box 1629 Beaumont, Texas 77704.