George C. Gray

George C. Gray passed away on January 26, 2019 (age 90) at La Posada Hospice. He was born in Albuquerque on November 28, 1928 to Bernie R and Martha Lewis Gray. George is survived by his wife of 70 years Lucy and his three sons - George L (Pat) and Bernie Ted of Las Cruces and Don (Beth) of Eagle, Idaho. Other family include grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. After his U.S. Army service, George attended New Mexico A&M (now NMSU) receiving a bachelor's and master's degrees in Art Education. He was a member of the SAE fraternity. He began his teaching career at Las Cruces High School in 1950. In 1952, George received a Ford Foundation Fellowship to study the Fine Arts at the Art Students League in New York City. George designed the Great Seal of Dona Ana County in 1958. George moved his family to San Diego California in 1961 to teach at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley where he taught art and student government until his retirement in 1986. He was a much beloved educator and upon his return to Las Cruces in 1992, he was asked to resume teaching for one year at Mayfield High School and then another 6 years as a supervisor for the student teacher program at NMSU. Through George's life he was active in the church. He was able to express his faith through his artistic talent by producing numerous religious themed paintings that are on exhibit at local churches that include St. Andrews Episcopal, St. James Episcopal, St. Paul's Methodist, First Presbyterian churches. A mural that is on display in the parish hall at St. James Church was painted by the Las Cruces High School students under his direction in 1957. He also served the church in several administrative positions including the vestry of St. James Episcopal Church as well as on the architectural committee for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. He is a member of the Jornado, #70 Masonic Order. While living in San Diego, George became an avid sailboat yachtsman for both racing and cruising. In 1981, George was elected Commodore of Southwestern Yacht Club. Land yachts and traveling became George and Lucy's passion when they returned to Las Cruces and became active in RV travel with the Three Crosses Travel Group. George will be remembered as a loving father, husband, a lifelong educator and artist. His memorial service will be held on Friday, February 8th at 11:00 am at the St. James Episcopal Church in Messilla Park. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall where many of his paintings will be on display. In lieu of flowers, any remembrance will be gratefully received by Mesilla Valley Hospice, St. James Episcopal Church, or any non-profit organization in his name.