Shan Raoul Gray

Shan Raoul Gray died on Sunday, September 19th, in Oklahoma City at the age of sixty-five years. Shan was born on August 24th, 1956, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He graduated from Bartlesville High School in 1974, where he was known for his passion of motorcycles, leather jackets, and artistic drawings. Shan started his career in the early 1980's as a commercial artist. By 1986, Shan began officially sculpting as a professional and was soon recognized for his skill in presenting the human form with great precision. His portfolio ranged in size from portrait busts to large-scale monuments. Some of his notable works included sculptures of the 1994 Olympic gymnast, Shannon Miller; baseball great, Warren Spahn; actor, James Garner; William Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ; and Nahzi Zudhi, transplant surgeon and inventor.To friends, Shan was known as a dad first—toting his daughter around, coaching the little league softball team, and making friends with many in the sports world. His philosophy in sports included sayings like "as long as you are giving your best effort, that is enough." And, when consoling one of the kids who might be upset after a bad game, he would instruct them to "leave it on the field."Shan was a very humble and generous man. He brought optimism and laughter to every setting. His easy-going presence brought diversity of friendships throughout his life. He was an avid reader, and thus, he could talk to anyone about anything. He had a contagious curiosity that instilled a sense of wonder in others. He was a whiz of almost every subject—from math to history—to mechanics—to Hollywood—to Star Trek. He was the perfect trivia partner. Shan was not set on the idea of time—known for his perpetual late entrances. While short on time, Shan always had time for people. Most important of all, he loved the Lord. He had no fear of death and frequently would share this quote from FDR: "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." His life, he knew, was just a speck of eternity because of Jesus' gift on the cross (Jn. 3:16). Shan is survived by his daughter, Evan Gray Hill and husband, Peter Hill of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter, Erin Harper of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister, Gayle Buck of Yukon, Oklahoma; brother, Clancy Gray of Broken Arrow and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jo Ann (Bright) Gray; father, Clarence (Hank) Gray; and brother, Gregory Grayson Gray.