Submitted by Family
“Clancy” “Pops” “Clance” “Poppa”
Our Pops, Clarence Joseph Gray, was healed in heaven on Saturday, April 13, 2024. He had just turned 75 years young. Surrounded by his family, he went peacefully to be in the arms of our Savior at the hospital in Tulsa, after he suffered from internal bleeding.
Clancy was born in Muskogee, OK on March 29, 1949, to the parents of Jo Ann Gray and Clarence Gray, also known as the amazing Grandma Jo and Hank.
Pops grew up in Bartlesville and graduated in 1967 from Bartlesville High School. Following graduation, he attended Conners State, where he played college baseball. He then decided he better focus on school and went to the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Before graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, that is where he met his future bride, Sherry Rother. He swooped her off her feet and they were married on July 29, 1978, in Okarche, Oklahoma. When you start your marriage off being whisked away in a bathtub, you are destined to last, and they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past year.
Clancy loved teaching and coaching. He always said, “I never go to work because it’s not work when you have FUN.” He absolutely loved helping his students and athletes find their passion and mentoring them to be better. For over 45 years, his passion for art and kids was the perfect blend for an art teacher at Tulsa’s McLain, East Central, and Edison High schools. During that time, he also coached various boy’s and girl’s swim teams, cross country, soccer, and baseball.
Clancy’s favorite hobby was art. He would spend many hours in his studio, which was his garage, and you can imagine how that looked. If you know an artist, they have inspiration and tools everywhere. Mom loved it. You can hear Pops laughing at how much she loved the mess in his studio. He was beyond blessed and talented in so many areas. His favorite mediums to work in were clay sculpture, silversmithing, acrylic, and watercolor painting. He loved traveling the country, entering art shows, and winning numerous awards.
Our Pops was an incredible man. He loved big and in the words of his grandson, Lincoln; “He was the most amazing Pops anyone could ask for. He was so happy all the time. He was never in a bad mood. Just the best guy to be around.” Pops would find the good in every single person and choose to love them. He was completely selfless, always putting others first. He genuinely wanted to hear about everyone’s day. He loved the Lord. His consistent advice was always the same, “Pray and give it to God.” He truly did that. The way he supported his family and people, was to show up and be present for them. He was so giving of his time. He wanted the best for everyone. He also loved the outdoors. He could sit with a fishing pole in his hand for hours – and when I say hours, I mean all day long. His favorite thing to do was cheering on his kids and grandkids at all their activities. You could always hear Pops in the stands and if you were ever sitting by him, hold your ears. That man had a whistle that could pop your ear drum. He loved his family. Man, did he love them with every ounce of his being. He was living his life as a role model to so many.
Clancy was reunited with his mom, Jo Gray, his father, Clarence Gray, and his two brothers, Greg and Shan Gray. They had an amazing family reunion in heaven on Saturday morning.
Carrying on Pops’ legacy and spreading his happiness are his wife, Sherry Gray. His oldest daughter, Mendi Treat, her husband, Jerrad, and their kids; Zack (19), Lincoln (15), Colton (13), and Gray (12). His middle son, Brett Gray, his wife, Jenifer, and their kids; Jensen (10), Jett (8), Eli (2), and Camila (4 months). His youngest son, Dax Gray, his wife, Margaret Ann, and their sons; Samuel (5) and Jack (6 months). His sister, Gayle Buck, her husband, Tony, and their family. As well as hundreds of nieces and nephews, who love their Uncle Clancy.
Celebration of Life
Friday, April 19th
10:00am
The Church @ Battlecreek – 3025 N Aspen Avenue. Broken Arrow 74012
Held in “The Chapel”
Small reception will be held immediately following the family center.
There will be no graveside service.
