Ava "Missie" Harriett Roach Gray passed away on October 18, 2024 after a long hard fought battle with cancer. Missie was born July 30, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas to Charley Raymond Roach and Ava Amna Brown Roach. She worked hard all her life for Sky Ranch, Jim Doyle Pharmacy, Russell-Newman Manufacturing, and Jostens, before joining the University of North Texas, which she served for many years until her retirement.

Some of Missie's greatest memories came from riding with her daddy in parades and grand entries of rodeos around the North Central Texas area, her favorite being the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Above all, her most cherished memories as a child and young adult took place on the Cockrell Hill to Gainesville Trail rides that her daddy managed for many years. She loved cooking good ole southern comfort food, always making sure there was a recipe to be handed down. Her greatest pride and joy was her family, whom she loved with all her heart. She made numerous sacrifices for each and every one of them and never missed an opportunity to support them in whatever way she could. Missie was at every sporting event of her children and grandchildren and was even known to keep a penny in her shoe for an entire season for good luck. She knew every player on their team along with each of their stats and made herself an expert of whatever sport they played. She never missed an opportunity to brag on her family and their accomplishments or tell them how proud she was of them. Missie was a wonderful woman who touched the lives of many and took great honor in caring for everyone. She is loved beyond measure and will be dearly missed by all.

She is survived by her husband of over 54 years, Glenn Wayne Gray, Jr, son Brandon Scott Gray (Lisa), daughter, Breana Joy Gray Smithers (David), granddaughters, Olivia Madison Gray (Jared), Vivian Danielle Gray (Brandon), Rylee Bren Smithers, grandson, Ryder Gray Smithers, and brother, Charles Rudy Roach.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 PM at DeBerry Funeral Directors. Graveside service will be held at Trinity Cemetery on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Buddy Owens officiating.

Pallbearers are Brandon Gray, Ryder Smithers, Jared Sackett, Brandon McLendon, Chris Rumsey, and Benji Rumsey. Honorary pallbearers are Darrell Roach, Jeff Vardell, David Smithers, and Miguel Acevedo.