Tamara Sue Gray
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Tamara's obituary
A Beautiful Baby Girl
Slideshow: https://vimeo.com/906888373/
A beautiful baby girl, Tamara Sue Gray, was born to Timothy and Susie Mueller on September 11, 1969, in Evansville, Indiana.
Her father served in the U.S. Army, and Tammy spent her first decade moving among New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and then back to Indiana. At age 11, Tammy’s mother and stepfather, Robert Heerdink, relocated to Texas. They settled into a home on Redbud Drive in Forney, Texas. She was the older sister to three brothers: Tim Mueller, Todd Mueller and Michael Mueller. This role became Tammy’s “practice game” for her eventual joyous adventure of raising three wonderful sons.
Tammy’s quiet dedication and unending drive propelled her to graduate as valedictorian from Forney High School’s Class of 1987. She then enrolled at the University of Texas at Arlington as a Political Science major.
Right around dorm move-in day of her second year at UTA -- September 5, 1988 -- Tammy and Gene first met in the parking lot of her dorm, Lipscomb Hall. Gene offered to carry Tammy’s new TV to her third-story dorm room. Tammy, an unassuming, cautious and shy girl, took Gene up on his offer to go for a ride on his motorcycle. It was a first date, ending with a first kiss.
On Valentine’s Day 1989, Gene proposed, and Tammy accepted. They were joined in Holy Matrimony July 20, 1990, at the First United Methodist Church in Mesquite, Texas. It was a wedding day that marked the beginning of an incredibly wonderful 33-year marriage.
Gene’s career took the couple to San Antonio, Houston, and back to the Dallas area by 1993 when they moved into their new home on Sunset Lane in Lewisville; the home where each of their sons started their lives. Nathaniel, born 06/09/95, Andrew, born 05/12/97 and William, born 10/21/99, would be the greatest joy and the most amazing blessing of Tammy and Gene’s marriage. Tammy never missed a recital, athletic event or anything for her boys. She always put herself second to the needs, and even wants, of her family. Her self-confidence, witty humor and incredible intelligence completed the beautiful woman, dedicated wife and loving mother this beautiful baby girl became.
Assisted by Tammy in 2000, Tim, Todd, Gene, and Adam Ring founded Innovative Automation. Tammy, who had become a stay-at-home mom once Andrew was born, went back to work as Innovative’s bookkeeper. She discovered a love for accounting of which she’d never dreamed, a perfect match of talent and timing for a start-up company.
Tammy continued to grow in her role and for more than two decades was a key contributor to the growth and stability of Innovative. She served as the company’s controller until her battle with cancer forced her to slow down. For her, slowing down meant more focus on family, more memories to make and more records to break. Tammy’s drive was extremely evident in how she “Lived with cancer,” continuing to host family events, travel with Gene and even take her sons and their wives to Napa Valley to share one of Gene and Tammy’s favorite couples’ experiences.
On January 17, 2024, in her home on Sonoma Bend, Tammy graduated from her earthly life at the young age of 54 while in the arms of her one true love. Tammy is survived by her husband Eugene Gray; three sons and their wives, Nathaniel & Katie Gray, Andrew & Megan Gray, and William & Alexis Gray; mother Susie Brady; father and stepmother Tim and Kathy Mueller; her three brothers and their wives Tim & Shelli, Todd & Jennifer, and Michael & Jane; her two sisters Jennifer & Dan Foley, Beth Maurer.
Tammy’s Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 27 at 3 p.m. at the Flower Mound Methodist Church, 3950 Bruton Orand Blvd., Flower Mound, Texas. A reception will follow at Gene and Tammy’s home, 3904 Sonoma Bend, Flower Mound.
Please don’t feel obligated to send flowers or donate. If you feel compelled, instead of flowers, consider a donation to one of the two groups that meant much to Tammy.
The first link allows you to directly support to the UTSW Neuro-Oncology research department that helped Tammy so much. The second, the Susan G. Komen supports research for all types of breast cancer.
Memorial contributions may be directed to UT Southwestern Medical Center, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at https://engage.utsouthwestern… to support neuro-oncology research. Designation: Simmons Cancer Center; Special Instructions: Neuro-Oncology Research; Tribute Information: In Memory of Tamara Sue Gray
Susan G. Komen: https://www.komen.org/
Of course, if flowers are in your heart, send to Flower Mound Methodist Church and know that they’ll certainly be sincerely appreciated.
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