"Life's Most Treasured Things" - Time Out #171

Steve Gary surrounded by his family memories

We first met on the vast playground of the new Westwood Elementary School, located on the western edge of Stillwater, in late summer, 1953. It was definitely a simpler and gentler time in Our Town. We were both in the 1st grade at our ultramodern school.

He was likable then, always honest, hard-working, a great athlete, and then a young part of a local, strong family unit. Nothing has changed in 65 years. And, oh, did I mention, we've been close friends the entire time. Who is this guy, you ask?

Steve Gray, of course!

I sat down with my buddy recently to recount his story. We all have our story to tell, to be sure, and Steve's certainly is inspiring.

"Family is forever", he told me.

Actually, he didn't have to tell me this statement, since I have been around him for most of our lives, and, I absolutely know, he talks the talk, and walks the walk.

Whenever there is a happening in his life, it always involves his family. It doesn't matter if it is an athletic event, dining out, a short vacation trip, or any gathering of 3 of more people. Of course, his bride, Linda, is always at his side, too, and there is a good chance one of their 4 children, their spouses, or one of the 14 grandchildren are part of this family process, also.

We'll re-visit his close family ties again a little latter.

After being graduated from C.E. Donart High School (now SHS) in 1965, Steve moved on to Oklahoma State University via a full athletic scholarship offer to play college football under Cowboy Head Coach Phil Cutchin. Steve was an All-State end for the local Pioneers, and played 3 years for OSU, until having to undergo knee surgery in January, 1969. This medical issue ended his athletic career, but his education continued until he obtained his undergraduate degree in accounting after summer school, 1969. Like many young people, Steve found a mentor during his college years, Bill Ross, an OSU business teacher, who befriended the young student/athlete. Professor Ross planted Steve's interest in a possible job with the legendary Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), explaining to the young college student, Steve, could become a special agent by securing an accounting degree from OSU. This future occupation was put on the back burner, however, for several years, as Steve had a new wife and some college debt, along with a few unanswered life questions, following his time at OSU. Steve and Linda first moved to Bartlesville, then soon relocated to Tulsa, as he took a job as a staff accountant with CitiService Oil Company. By 1972, he knew his career-calling was with the FBI, so he applied, received an acceptance letter from its famous director, J. Edgar Hoover, and went to Quantico, Virginia, for 14 weeks of intensive academy training. He served as a Bureau special agent from 1972-2001, and had physical location assignments in Los Angeles, Dallas, Wichita Falls, Stillwater and Oklahoma City. In his long tenure with the Bureau, he said his biggest enjoyment was he "didn't have a normal, routine job." "I had lot of variety (as a special agent); I had a different experience with the FBI every day," my personable friend said.

In all his years in law enforcement, he was only involved in one gun battle. This occurred while he was stationed in Wichita Falls, while he and his fellow law enforcement officials cornered a criminal that fought them with an AK-47 rifle. It was a very memorable life experience for Steve.

Back to his family matters.

His retired life has almost totally focused on those people that mean the absolute most to him, and he has such a broad network with his children, grandchildren, brothers, sister, spouses, in-laws, and many, many others in his incredibly strong religious community He is constantly reaching out to others, too, always trying to pay-it-forward to people in their time of need.

I am so honored to be able to call Mr. Steve my friend. He and I both know how special it is to live in Our Town.