Joe Glen Gray

Joe Glen Gray, 87, died on September 8, 2019, at his home in Hot Springs Village. He was born May 8, 1932, to Raymond and Jenny Alford Gray. He was the 13th of 14 children. Joe spent his childhood in and around Rising Star, Texas. In 1949, he was named a Texas high school football all-star, and he earned a four-year football scholarship to Sam Houston State University. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in education and taught briefly in Lorenzo, Texas, where he met his bride, Johanna Stobaugh. Joe and Josie were married August 8, 1954, and the couple was blessed with three children: Ginna Dee, Teresa, and John. In 1958, Joe started his 60-year career in life insurance, and his work took him throughout Texas and to New Mexico and Louisiana. He enjoyed helping young agents grow in their talents and develop meaningful careers. Joe and Josie spent 34 of those years in Baton Rouge, where Joe fell in love with the culture and cuisine of South Louisiana. Joe and Josie moved to Hot Springs Village in 2003 to enjoy the numerous golf courses and walking trails in the community. Here, Joe served on the board of directors of the Hot Springs Village Chamber of Commerce, joined Village United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club, and made many friends. Joe was an avid reader, a storyteller, and an excellent cook. As a grandfather, he attended countless baseball games, led long walks through the neighborhood and along hiking trails, and taught his grandchildren how to peel boiled crawfish. He was patient and kind, except maybe when the LSU Tigers were losing. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Ginna Dee; and 12 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Johanna Stobaugh Gray; his brother and sister-in-law, Frank Gray and Kay of Santa Ana, Texas; his children and son-in-law, Teresa Gray Maxwell and Steve of Little Rock and John Glen Gray of Baton Rouge; his grandchildren and their spouses, Allie Nottingham and Joey of Little Rock, Kyle Gray and Ellie of New Orleans, Stephanie Newton and Patrick of Little Rock, and Blair Gray of Baton Rouge; three great-grandchildren, Lila, Max, and Henry Nottingham; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Arrangements entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Online condolences can be made at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com