Darrell DeWayne Gray, age 75, of Kyle, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2013. He was born November 16, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa. He attended Target High School in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa where he played football and graduated in 1956. He then proudly served in the U.S. Navy for ten years. Darrell then worked for G.E. and later the University of Texas at Applied Research Labs. He also taught night classes in electronics at Nixon Clay College.
He met and married the love of his life, Theo, in 1968. Shortly thereafter, together they started Gray Electronics – a video and security equipment services company. They worked alongside each other every day for more than 40 years. In 1995, he designed the first digital capture system storing security pictures on a personal computer for which he later received a patent. Darrell had a tireless work ethic and his business was his passion.
In addition to being a devoted husband, Darrell was an exceptional “dad” to his two step-children Blynda and Donnie. His love for and commitment to them knew no bounds. Donnie joined the family business early on and during their 40 years of working together they developed a very special bond. Darrell was Donnie’s dad, mentor, and friend.
One of life’s greatest joys for Darrell was spending time with his two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend one of their special events.
Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Theo, his step-son Donnie Holder and wife Debbie, granddaughter Carinda Sherk and husband John and their four children Chris, Stephen, Katie, and Daniel, and grandson Aaron Holder and wife Samantha and their son Carter, as well as his sisters Deloris and Nancy, and brother Donnie.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Fern, his younger siblings Skeet and Genie, and step-daughter Blynda and her husband Dennis.
The family wishes to thank the staff and nurses of Legend Oaks Rehabilitation Center of Kyle and Odyssey Hospice of San Marcos for the loving care they provided to Darrell.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Interment followed at the Kyle Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be entered into Darrell’s guestbook at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
