Douglas Vernon Gray passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at the age of 74 years and 11 months, following a courageous battle with cancer. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain. Douglas was born March 25, 1951, in Orange Cove, California, to Forest Vernon Gray and Virginia Gray. He graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1969 and later attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. A dedicated and hardworking man, Douglas spent much of his career as a machinist and retired in 2016 from the Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Oklahoma. In recent years, he made his home in McAlester. Above all else, Douglas was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his children: Joe Gray and wife Niki, and their children Paisley, Piper, and Phinley Gray; Ken Gray and wife Angela, and their children Rylee Gray and Charity Bowker; Misty Gray, and her children Criquette and Cuienne McCord; Christopher Gray, and his children Monica Soto, Regina and Rhegan Smith, Rianna and Emily Gray; as well as four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Brown, and her children Lemar Brown, Amy Morgan, and Ginny Rucker and husband Bobby. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, T.A. and Bessie Chapman, and Hermon and Edna Gray; his mother, Virginia Gray Essary; his father, Forest Vernon Gray; his stepfather, Ebb Essary; his sister, Patricia G. Russell; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who welcomed him home. Douglas loved the simple and meaningful things in life. He was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand, sitting quietly in the woods waiting on a big buck, or out on a boat enjoying the peace of the water. He enjoyed watching old westerns, sharing laughter, and spending time with his family. Whether at a gathering or relaxing on the front porch, he could always be found telling stories, visiting with his kinfolk, and bringing smiles with his unmistakable sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, unwavering love for his family, and memories that will be treasured forever. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be announced at a later date