Richard Michael "Mike" Gray was a loving husband, father, "Graypaw," brother, and friend. After a 3-year battle with Parkinsons disease, he peacefully passed away and went to be with Jesus on December 31, 2023, just a week shy of his 77th birthday. Surviving Mike is his wife, Janie; his son Andy (Kersten) of Shawnee, Kansas; their daughters, Gretchen and Georgia; his son Matt (Miranda) of Katy, Texas; their daughters, Lauren and Avery; and his son Brian (Sharla) of Midland, Texas; their sons Whitten, William, and Waylon.

Mike was born to Esther and Victor Gray on January 7, 1947, in Houston, Texas. Many years later, Mike and Janie would realize that they first spent time together as newborns in the same hospital, born just four days apart.

Mike loved his mom dearly and was very close to her. He often referred to her as an angel. When Mike was in 9th grade, his dad passed away suddenly. As the oldest of 3 boys, he took on lots of responsibilities around the home and family business. He spent many afternoons and evenings after school working at the familys Dairy Maid, making French fries and chocolate-dipped cones before walking home.

After graduating from Jones High School in Houston, he became a proud lifelong Longhorn, attending the University of Texas at Austin and graduating with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. During his college summer breaks, Mike returned home to Houston and worked in the cash control room at AstroWorld. Janie worked in the ticket booth, and this is where their paths crossed for a second time. Throughout the day, Mike would make regular trips to pick up cash and attempt to get his future wifes attention. He eventually succeeded, and in October of 1971, Mike was married to his beautiful bride, whom he adored for over 52 years.

Mike raised his family in Kingwood, Texas. He started Kingwood Home Inspection, which later grew into an engineering consulting business. Much hard work went into building his business, which he was incredibly proud of. He loved teaching home buyers and realtors about houses, especially residential foundations. His YouTube channel includes videos that range from tightening a doorknob to watering around the foundation.

He loved to fish in the coastal bays around Galveston during his free time. Mike and his boys made many fond memories in the boat - mostly just boating around, sometimes pushing the boat through the shallow water and mud, and occasionally catching a fish.

Mike was a committed family man who, most days, wanted nothing more than to be with his family. His greatest joy was becoming "Graypaw." He was incredibly proud of his family, especially his grandkids.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for January 20 at 10 am at the Second Baptist Church North Campus in Kingwood, Texas (22770 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Parkinsons Foundation or The Ronald McDonald House, where Mike enjoyed volunteering with his therapy dogs, Rosie and Riley.