On Sunday, Oct. 28, the community of Artesia lost a great friend and patron in long-time resident and businessman, John R. Gray.
Born on Feb. 1, 1930, in Levelland, Texas, Gray moved to Artesia in 1943 from Barstow, Texas.
In the 1950s, Gray was a drilling and completions superintendent for C.H. Mahres Drilling. He moved the rig from Trinidad, Colo., to Artesia also in the 1950s and started Gray Pumping Service.
In 1974, he founded the oil and gas production company Marbob Energy Corporation with Mack Chase.
Over the years, Marbob grew into a giant in the local oil and gas industry. As of the year 2000, Marbob was ranked fourth in the state in oil production and 27th in the production of natural gas. Through it all, Gray remained loyal to the community and his family–oriented values.
It was important to Gray, president of the corporation, that his business exhibit the family values he himself possessed. His son, Johnny C. Gray, served as first vice president, and his son–in–law, Douglas C. Chandler, as second vice president.
His other employees at Marbob were just as important to him as his immediate family, however.
“He treated all of his employees like extended family,” says Raye Miller, secretary, treasurer and CFO of Marbob.
“We will all miss him a great deal. We’ve wound up with some tremendous memories of some great times. I hope he has trained us all well in order to continue on in life.”
Gray received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including a seat on the executive committee of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association.
In 1987, Gray married Caroyln Gibson in Artesia, and together they lived a fulfilling life, donating their time to numerous civic activities.
Gray gave generously throughout his lifetime to countless charities and organizations. The girls’ softball complex at Jaycee Park, for example, bears his name as the main benefactor behind its construction. His kindness and concern for the city of Artesia were renowned.
“If I ever needed anything from Johnny, all I had to do was call,” says Jan Walker, executive director of Grammy’s House. Gray donated a large sum toward the purchase of the organization’s new shelter and was an annual sponsor of their fund–raising marathon.
“He was so good about his compassion and caring. He will be missed, not just because of his contributions, but because of who he was.”
John R. Gray will be remembered by all as a pillar of the community of Artesia. His selflessness and generosity will not soon be forgotten.