Maurice Gray Sr,'s Obituary
I, Maurice was born in a little town named Idabel, Oklahoma on December 17, 1933, to parents Sarah Morgan and Henry Graves.
My mother's mother named Alberta Morgan, was born in Arkansas on May 5, 1918. Her father was named Arthur.
We lived on a farm and grew cotton, corn, and all kinds of vegetables. My mother worked the fields to care for me, my sister, Elreno, and my two brothers, Henry and Lue Willie. It was hard work, but she loved us and wanted us to have the best she could give us.
I was able to go to George Washington school. I remember on Saturdays being able to go into town in our wagon drawn by two horses. Saturdays were movie days and my mother happily let us go.
At the age of 5, I went to live with my father Henry, and my step-mother LaVinna. She was very good to me. My step mother was always watching out for me. She and my dad bought me a new bike because she noticed that all the other children had new bikes. She treated me well and we were a happy family.
My dad owned his own restaurant which I worked in after school.
We made a big move from Oklahoma to California. My Aunt Addie Mae and Uncle Louis moved to California first. Aunt Addie Mae settled in Richland, California, and Uncle Louis settled in Tulare, California.
We traveled West with a man who transported farm workers from Oklahoma to California in 3 big trucks. The trip took 4 days and 4 nights. My mother was very happy for the move because she received better pay for her farm work in California than she did in Oklahoma. My mother made sure we all went to school. Because of school; I worked only a short time in the fields in Lemoore
I found a job at a dairy milking cows in the early mornings so I could attend school with no disruptions. I worked there for 5 years and was able to purchase my first car.
A friend of mine sent me a letter telling me that the job market was very good in San Diego, so I left Lemoore to pursue new employment opportunities in San Diego.
San Diego was great employment wise and relationship wise. I met a young woman named Frankie Jean Mahaffey. She and I courted for a couple of years and had a son together; Maurice Gray Jr.
My first job in San Diego was at the University Car Wash. I worked there for 6 1/2 months. My next job was at Convair. I stayed there for 2 1/2 years. Following that job, I worked at North Island. It was a great government opportunity. I stayed there for 6 years until moving onto my final job at Ace Parking. This was the job God prepared for me. I started as a parking attendant for 5 years; then the parking supervisor for 8 1/2 years. I was promoted to Vice-President for 13 1/2 years.
While vacationing in Mexico, my taxi pulled up to my hotel just as the city bus stopped there too carrying the love of my life. Our eyes met, and I, not really knowing the language, called out to her; "muchacho" it may not have been the right word but we both seemed to have the same feelings. She said "Muchacha".
I went on to say "Cuantos años tienes?" Lucy answered "never ask a lady her age!" I asked 21? Lucy never answered. Lucy got back on the bus and I had the taxi follow the bus to see where she would get off. Lucy got off at a clothing store, as she was in the back doing work, I looked on the desk phone to get the number.
I went back to the store in the week to bring her a gift, a pink necklace and earring set and blue slippers. She was reluctant to take them, but her boss encouraged her to accept the gifts; and she did. That was June 11, 1963. I was only in Mexico for a week, but the plan was set in motion.
I continued to write Lucy for 8 months until I finally got the courage to ask her to marry me, in the letter. Because she was Catholic, I had to study and be baptized Catholic also. I took classes at the Christ the King Catholic Church where my priest was in contact with her priest in Mexico. I finished my classes on December 21, 1963 and were married in Mexico on February 23, 1964. Our union produced 4 children: Lucy, Robert, Frank, and Liz. We went on to purchase a house in December 1964. We lived a great life. We joined St. Rita's Catholic Church and sent our children to their school.
I began to volunteer at St. Rita's Church events, like the Bazaar, as well as serving communion to the sick and shut in. I also became a regular at the Koby swap meet with my business selling authentic sports caps, awesome house plants, and Amway products.
God blessed me yet again to win a contract with the International Port Authority and start my own business called Lindbergh Parking Inc. As company president, I ran a lucrative parking business which benefited everyone using the airport. I was the only African American contractor at the International Port Authority, with a staff of over 50 employees, and directed operations for 3600 paid parking spaces.
My position allowed me to oversee other large parking facilities in the San Diego area; namely Horton Plaza Shopping Mall, Jack Murphy Stadium, and the new convention center downtown. When I retired in 2007, I had a staff of 156 employees.
I was preceded in death by my mother and father, my two brothers, and my sister.
I leave to cherish my memory and celebrate my homegoing Wife - Lucy; sister Veola of Hawaii, son Maurice Jr (Frankie Jean), four children; Lucy, Robert, Frank and Liz, 11 grandchildren; Ahren, Marissa, Marcus, Sabrina, Vanessa, Selena, Andrew, Jameel, Nicolas, Christopher, and Jeremy, a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives, friends, and church members.
What’s your fondest memory of Maurice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maurice?
Share a story where Maurice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maurice you’ll never forget.
How did Maurice make you smile?
