 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 1936: Hayward dressed for high school | 1941: Hayward and Janet | 1980: Hayward and his family at the Gray Family Reunion | 1993: Hayward and Janet | 2007: Hayward relaxing at Lynn and Brian's |
|
Messages from Friends and Family We will be adding messages from friends and family of Hayward L. Gray. ****************************************************************** This was one of the eulogies at Hayward's funeral: The thing about it is…I fell in love with Hayward’s baby girl, Barbara. Then I met and fell in love with PaPa, Mimi, and the Gray family. I’ve always loved PaPa like a father. When I first met Mr. and Mrs. Gray, they invited me to stay for dinner. Barbara always had a family nickname, and she asked her family to not use the nickname around me so I would never call her that. PaPa wanted to respect his baby’s wishes, but it was only a few seconds before he blurted out: “Bozzie.” When I asked permission to marry BOZZIE, PaPa took me aside and said very seriously, “Billy, I need to tell you something.” Then he got that twinkle in his eyes, and he said: “Bozzie hasn’t had her wisdom teeth out, and there is no dowry.” He was, of course, laughing before he finished his little joke. That was a PaPa tradition. He loved to tell jokes, and no one enjoyed them more than HE did. He’d get a twinkle in his eye, and cock one eye up, and start to chuckle. As sad as I am that he has gone to Heaven, I can’t think of Papa without smiling. He was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle man that I will ever know. He was happy. He loved his wife, Janet, with all his heart. Married 67 ½ years! He loved his family – Judy, Lynn, Tom, Bozzie, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 3 sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and 6 grandsons-in-law. And he loved his friends. Doug Huggins was his best friend. When I asked Doug about PaPa, he said “he was the brother I never had; he was always straight down the middle.” PaPa had many friends. And everyone loved him. Papa lived life on his terms, and he had a great life…even at the end of his days. I told PaPa in the hospital that he was the best father-in-law in the world. He responded “that’s because I am the only father-in-law you’ve ever had.” Ward, Brian, Sid, and I would never want anyone else. He never got in the way, but he was always there if he was needed. He was supportive of even our craziest ideas, never said a negative word to us, always picked up the bill at dinner (even on his own birthday), was there for us when our parents died. I could go on and on listing the reasons why he was the best father-in-law in the world, the best Dad, the best Grandpa, and the best Great Grandpa. The time we all had with PaPa in the hospital was special. We warned the doctors and nurses that he would rarely give them a straight answer. We heard him reply to various medical people when they asked what he did for a living, and his responses were priceless. PaPa loved to tell jokes! We always knew when to laugh because Papa would get that twinkle, cock that eye, and start to chuckle. The thing about it is; there is no such thing as a standard-size hamburger; there is a Weasel Curly in everyone’s life. These are PaPa-isms that we will always cherish. That and saying “You pulled a PaPa” every time one of us spills something on our shirts or ties. Barbara, Brittany, and Ryan say that a lot. PaPa loved trains. If he could have done anything else in his career, he would have been a train engineer. Our only granddaughter so far, 6-year-old Madison, turned to Bozzie a few years ago and said, “Bozzie, you are so lucky because every time you see a train, you get to think of PaPa. Every time any of us sees a train, we think of PaPa. Papa loved to sing. He was singing gospel hymns and country songs in the hospital, and Madison called to sing the song they would sing together, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” PaPa loved to eat. El Fenix Mexican Food, and Dickey's Barbecue were his favorites...though he could be just as happy eating a bologna sandwich prepared by volunteers at his beloved Richardson Senior Center. The All-You-Can-Eat family duel at Southern Kitchen that pitted Hayward for the Grays against my brother, Tony for the Windsors, will always remain one of the most enjoyable, memorable, and funny experiences of my life. PaPa ate about a million shrimp that night and assorted other things. Blue Bell Ice Cream was a special favorite. He would always make sure the freezer was fully stocked whenever any of us came over. My brother wrote “the world is a lesser place without Hayward.” He’s right. The loss of PaPa is huge. But there is a new twinkle upstairs, and Heaven is a better place with Hayward Lindell Gray. Billy Windsor -- Atlanta, Georgia ****************************************************************** This was one of the eulogies at Hayward's funeral: I am one of the
luckiest guys on this planet. I have been very fortunate that my life
has been entertwined with Hayward's life for the last 50 years and spans
three generations of our family. Ward Overall -- St. Louis, Missouri ****************************************************************** This was one of the eulogies at Hayward's funeral: Today is a day of celebration of Papa’s life and what a long and wonderful life he had! Papa loved life and celebrated it everyday with a funny story, a kind word to someone or a good meal. Life was like a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream to Papa and he loved his Blue Bell! I remember the first day Lynn brought me home to meet Papa and Mimi. I was welcomed with open arms and a bowl of ice cream. I have felt like a part of the family ever since. Papa was like a father that I never had. I was fortunate to spend some quality time with Papa the last several years. Some of my fondest memories are spending Sunday afternoons playing dominos, Yatzee or watching the Cowboys, but my fondest memory was spending evenings or weekends watching his beloved Mavericks. Mimi would always serve ice cream and cookies at half time. We would talk about Mimi and Papa’s memories. I remember one time Papa told me about G-day or the Gray family reunion and showed me pictures of the event. I was thinking about what I wanted to say today and I realized there are a lot of words that start with the letter G that describe Papa perfectly. The first G word that comes to mind is Generous. Papa was extremely Generous on every level. Papa would never let Lynn and me leave their home without a half-gallon of Blue Bell ice cream. More importantly like being Generous with his love for his family. Family was everything to Papa. The next G word is Gregarious. Papa loved to talk and tell a joke and we loved to listen although we always knew the punch line. Papa was also a very Grateful person and always maintained a sense of Gratitude. Papa was Genuine, what you saw is what you got with Papa. He was down to earth and Genuine. The final G word to describe Papa would have to be Godly. Papa was a Godly man who loved the Lord and is now in Heaven. He instilled in his family exactly what he truly believed – love of the Lord, family, friends, and nature. So the next time you hear a word that starts with the letter G, you might just think about our precious Papa up in Heaven having fun and telling jokes – he is loving it! I love you Papa and miss you very much. Brian Lawrence -- Carrollton, Texas ****************************************************************** We will always love you and miss you everyday Pa Pa. Judy and Ward Overall -- St. Louis, Missouri ****************************************************************** We know you are in Heaven telling jokes to all of your new friends and loving it! Now you can have all the Blue Bell ice cream and "all the ribs in the world" now that you are with God. We love you and miss you Papa. Lynn and Brian Lawrence -- Carrollton, Texas ****************************************************************** Dear Aunt Janet,
Judy, Lindy, Tom & Barbara, Bob and Karen Gray -- Louisville, Kentucky ****************************************************************** Uncle Hayward was and is one of my favorite Uncles. I miss you and look forward to a reunion far greater than any we had down here. May God lay his calming hand on each that remain until our time arrives. Terry Gray -- Boiling Springs, South Carolina ****************************************************************** Dear Boz, I can’t seem to think of the right words to say. I‘ve been sitting here puzzling over it for quite some time. I know you are heartbroken. I am so sorry for your loss. I know we spoke recently about your dad and I told you how much I thought of him. H e was a good man and his family loved him. At the end of the road, I can’t think of a nicer thing to say about someone’s life and what they accomplished. He and your mom were so blessed to have one another and to be together for so long. I hope your mom is doing okay. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there on Saturday. I will be thinking of you. If there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I hope we can talk soon. Love always, Marty Windsor -- Longwood, Florida ******************************************************************
Doug Huggins -- Cumming, Georgia ******************************************************************
I will be speaking at Papa's funeral, so I
will add the text of my eulogy after it is presented. For
now, I want to say that Papa was the sweetest man I have ever
known. He was the best father-in-law ANYONE could ever
have. I am so sad that he has gone to Heaven, but I find
that I always smile whenever I think about him. He was so
good and so funny that it will be impossible for me to ever
think about him without smiling. I love PaPa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Billy Windsor -- Atlanta, Georgia ******************************************************************
I loved being around Hayward and Janet.
The thing I remember most about Hayward is that he always got
the biggest kick out of his own jokes!
Carolyn Ballard Bazzo -- Maitland, Florida ******************************************************************
I heard about Hayward's passing on Sunday
and have been trying to contact someone to express my
condolences. I emailed Tom and Lindy but have not received any
response, so maybe I have the wrong email
addresses. I did see the website and thought it to be very well done and just a great idea. The pictures were fantastic. I wondered why my picture was there....then I saw the letter I had written to him on his 80th birthday. I was hoping I could attend the funeral but things just did not work out. So please give my best to Aunt Janet, Judy, Tom, Lindy and Barbara. Lynda and I wish we could be there. Jerry Gray -- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ******************************************************************
Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara,
you and your family during this difficult time.
Janet Gallucci --
Cleveland, Ohio
******************************************************************
The world is a lesser place without Hayward.
Tony Windsor -- Dacula, Georgia ******************************************************************
Our father was the most wonderful man in the
world. Everyone says that about their dad ... but in this
case, it's really true! He was appreciative of every day of
his life. He never complained and pointed out that it was
important to "just handle it" when things didn't go right. Dad
gave us all a solid foundation for love of God and family, in that
order. If he ever said anything negative about anyone, I never
heard it. He had a way of making everyone he met feel special -
everyone instantly loved him and that twinkle in his eyes. I
can't even count how many people over the years said to me, "Your
father is the nicest person I've ever met!"
Papa (Dad's name since he became a grandfather
and great grandfather) loved to sing, fish, tell jokes, and eat his
favorite foods - Blue Bell ice cream, popcorn, El Fenix Mexican
food, and Dickey's Barbeque. Some of my favorite memories revolve
around him making snow-cream in the St. Louis winters; slicing
watermelon for us when we were playing outside after dinner during
the summers; standing on a ladder picking apples in our backyard
when were were very young children.
I am so proud of my father. He lived his
life with no regrets and his last days in the hospital were spent
with his family surrounding him. Several times I bent over to
ask him if he hurt anywhere. Each time he looked up, smiled, and
said, "No, I'm fine ... just great. How are you?" We had some
really special moments last week singing Dad's favorite songs and
hymns - moments that we'll never forget. One of our
favorite nurses, Lyndell, commented that he could tell what kind of
a life a patient had lived by watching the interactions of their
visitors. Lyndell stated that it was obvious that Hayward was
a wonderful man who had a great life as he was completely and
totally loved by his family!
I will miss my Dad every day of my life.
I have a hole inside of me right now that doesn't feel like it's
going to heal. Surely there's a special place in Heaven where
Dad is sitting. He's probably already telling his jokes and
making others feel welcome. T hank you, Lord, for giving us such a
special and wonderful father - we are truly blessed.
Barbara Gray Windsor --
Atlanta, Georgia
****************************************************************** After Barbara and I rekindled our high school acquaintanceship in 1979 which then evolved to a beloved friendship, I was privileged to meet Hayward and Jan. Hayward always hugged me when he saw me and made me feel like “one of the family.” He was sweet, funny and just an all around genuine person who I absolutely loved being around. I can only imagine what a wonderful life all his family enjoyed with him. He will be missed by all but I too know that he has a special place in heaven. Love to all the Gray family. Tracy Beaulieu -- Dallas, Texas ******************************************************************
Boz emailed me about Hayward. I am just
in shock. Please give our love to all. My thoughts are with
you all. Hayward was a great guy. As I told Boz, I
always enjoyed being around him. He and Dad would try to outdo one
another with quips. They are probably doing more of the same up in
Heaven now. I remember the eating contest they had out in Dallas.
And entertaining Hayward and Jan in our home on Summerwood. I
know he will be missed.
Wendy Windsor Harper -- Orlando, Florida ******************************************************************
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and
prayers have been and will continue to be with you all. May you all
be able to reflect on the many good memories you have. Warmest
thoughts,
Kathy Butler -- Sacramento,
California
****************************************************************** Oh Boz - I am so sorry ... I can only imagine what you are going through ... I know how close you were to both of your parents and I know this has got to be so hard .. we all know that we will probably outlive our parents but in our hearts they are invincible and will live forever ... I had lunch with Carolyn last week and I asked her how your dad was doing and she was remembering how she loved to hear him laugh ... I am glad that you were able to spend time with him this past week but I also know that there is nothing that can make losing him any easier ... just know that you and your family are at the top of our prayer list and in our hearts ... love - Randy Trammell -- Orlando, Florida ******************************************************************
Barbara - I am so sorry, Michael just told me
the news. You are such a wonderful person with a tremendously
beautiful aura about you and I know how much you are hurting right
now. I also know that there is nothing I can do to help ease what
you are feeling except to send you my love and keep you in my
prayers. Know that I am thinking about you,
Lia Simcox -- Arapahoe, Nebraska ******************************************************************
Boz, I'm so
very sad to hear about your loss. We all are keeping you & your
family in our prayers down here. Love,
Carol Woolfolk -- Orlando, Florida ****************************************************************** My heart is with you. I am praying for you to have strength, there is no one like your father. I am so so sorry for your loss. Sondra Shumaker -- Atlanta, Georgia ******************************************************************
Oh, Barbara, our hearts go out to you upon
hearing the news of your dad's death. You and your sweet family are
in our prayers. Here's a hug from afar---love, Berlinda
Melinda and Steve Shanklin -- Lubbock, Texas ****************************************************************** I don’t want to bother Boz or Ryan, please know my deepest sympathy go out to you, Ryan, Barbara, and the Gray family. I love you all, Sonya Chase -- Atlanta, Georgia ******************************************************************
|