David Duane Gray

David Duane “DD” Gray, 71, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on October 15, 2025, following medical complications.

Born on October 6, 1954, to Duane and Melba Gray, DD lived a life defined by service, loyalty, and kindness. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend whose steady presence and generous heart touched everyone who knew him.

DD proudly served with the Abilene Police Department for 43 years, retiring in July of this year. Of those years, an incredible 41 were spent in the Narcotics Unit, where his tireless dedication and deep knowledge made a lasting impact on countless officers and citizens alike. DD was the kind of man who led by quiet example; honest, humble, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Beyond his service to the community, DD was a true cowboy at heart. He found joy and purpose in raising and training horses and sharing that passion by helping others learn the art of horsemanship. His calm hand and patient teaching left a legacy both in the stables and in the lives of those he guided.

DD and his wife, Regina Gray, were married in February of 2003 and spent more than two decades together building a storybook life filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering love. Their bond was a testament to devotion and partnership, and their time together was filled with memories that will be treasured forever.

DD was preceded in death by his mother, Melba Jo Edwards Gray, and great-niece, Cortlynn Doty.

DD Gray is survived by his loving wife, Regina Gray; his father, Eldon Duane Gray, and stepmother, Kathy Gray and his children: David Gray and wife Kami, and their sons Kain and Kaleb; Bryan Buckley and wife Nichole, and their sons Matt and Bryson; Courtney Stephens and husband Paul, and their daughter Kenly; and Ken Robinson and wife Sarah, and their children Tristyn, Anna, and Lila.

He is survived by his sister, Fran Trotter, and her husband, Davy, and their family: Jason, Kasey, Melby, Jagger, Jase, and Jet Trotter; Daniel and Nichole Doty; Colton and Samantha Doty, Easton Mora, River and Blaislynn Doty; and Cade Doty and Brianna Rodriguez.

He is also survived by his brother Randy Gray, and his wife, Cheryl Gray; their daughter Jenna, and husband Matt Strickland, and daughter, DeAnne Gray; son Scott, and his wife, Kaysi Gray, and their son, Jerrad, and his wife Becca Gray; and great-nieces and nephews — Ella and Wyatt McGaughy, Anna and Ben Gatlin, Mattie Strickland, Kyler and Jacie Knight, Kason Knight, Joshua and Aaron Gray, Brie, Jeremiah, Wilson, and Beklynn Gray — as well as a great-great-niece, Oakleigh Knight.

Those who knew DD will remember his unwavering integrity, his wit, his compassion, and his love for life, whether he was mentoring fellow officers or a friend in need, his generosity will remain unmatched.

David is riding high in his saddle, looking down with love at the students and horses he brought together. The passion and care he had for horses will live on with the students he spent so much time mentoring. He’s sure to be smiling, because his legacy is in good hands; he instilled in the heart of every student that "average is not an option”.

He will be deeply missed and impossible to replace.

In keeping with DD’s wishes, he will be cremated. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation and fellowship on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of DD’s life at 4:00 p.m. at Beltway Park Baptist Church, 4009 Beltway South.