SENSE OF COMMUNITY

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

EDDIE GRAY’S BAYTOWN ROOTS, AFFINITY FOR AREA WETLANDS INSPIRE GENEROUS GIFT

Where others see vacant buildings or empty lots, real estate developer Eddie V. Gray, owner of Gray Enterprises, sees possibilities. In Baytown, where he and his late wife Faye raised four daughters and engaged as community and philanthropic leaders, Gray drove past an abandoned bowling alley 20-plus years ago and wondered what it could become. Through his persistent efforts, Gray and a group of collaborators — including the City of Baytown, Goose Creek CISD, Lee College and local industry — eventually transformed the old bowling alley into the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center. Since 1998, over 100,000 schoolchildren have learned about wetlands and the environment through the center’s educational programs. Gray became enamored with the wetlands while growing up in Baytown hunting and fishing. He later studied geology at Texas A&M University, which cemented his affinity for the wetlands. This past year, Gray’s vision focused on a meaningful project that recognizes two special women in his life and educates the community about the wetlands. In honor of Gray’s generous matching gift to support the Crowning Achievement Awards for Excellence in Nursing at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital, a new hospital entrance and outdoor area will be named The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Entrance and Edna Gray and Faye Gray Memorial Garden.

“I think the entrance and garden are wonderful tributes to my wife and my mother,” Gray says. “They’d love that we’re creating a relaxing setting where families can enjoy nature.” The opportunity to teach hospital visitors and staff about the wetlands delights Gray, as does the support for nursing training, education and research. Houston Methodist Baytown CEO David P. Bernard admires Gray’s love for his family, the outdoors and the Baytown community. “Eddie and his family have made a significant impact in the lives of so many people,” says Bernard. “We are excited to support their passion for advancing our community through the Crowning Achievement Award for Excellence in Nursing.” Gray says he is forever grateful for the compassionate care Faye received at Houston Methodist Baytown after she was diagnosed with late-stage lymphoma. “The way the nurses and doctors treated Faye meant so much to us,” he says. “Everyone was like family. My mom helped start the hospital volunteer corps and spent 10 years on the Board of Trustees. Two of our children were born in this fine hospital, and it is a wonderful community asset.” Through his mother’s service, Gray understood the value of having a high-quality local hospital and the value of serving others. “My whole life has involved community projects,” Gray says. His dad Elmer — Olympic track star, rancher, oilman and developer — inspired Gray to love the land, and he launched Eddie in business as a young man. Gray married his high school sweetheart, Faye, in 1954, and their family grew to include their daughters plus spouses, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. With children as with buildings, Gray sees all their possibilities. “Faye and I set up college funds for our children and grandchildren,” he says. “We introduced them to business ideas and the concept of giving back to the community. I hope making a difference becomes a family legacy.”