Robert Gray Eargle Jr., age 93, of Grand Prairie, TX passed away on November 19, 2021. He was born to Robert and Josephine Eargle on October 18, 1928, in Texarkana, TX where he spent the majority of his childhood on the Arkansas side and attended the First Christian Church of Texarkana. As a teenager, he was an Eagle Scout, a lifeguard, and excelled in football, basketball, and diving in high school. In college, he attended and played basketball at Arkansas University, then played football and basketball for Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, AK, and he played basketball at Corpus Christi Jr. College where he led the nation in scoring amongst junior colleges for much of the year and was the top score holder for all Texas junior colleges by season’s end in 1949. He also played basketball at North Texas State University in Denton, TX. while working on his Master’s degree. After graduating with a Master’s in education, Gray joined the US Army where he pitched and coached the Army fast-pitch softball team. Gray was a positive influence on many students’ lives first at Lewisville High School, then at Lee Jr. High school in Grand Prairie, TX as a math and science teacher and football and basketball coach from 1959-1971. He became known locally as an outstanding coach who never had a losing season and won several championships. Soon after South Grand Prairie High School opened, he was offered the head coaching position of the basketball team but chose to go into administration, serving as an assistant principal at Jackson Middle School (and one year at Truman Middle School) until his retirement in 1990. He was also active in coaching the football, basketball, and wrestling teams of his children. During the summer months, he poured his life into the lives of many kids for years working at recreation centers for the Grand Prairie Parks and Rec. Gray also loved softball. He was a fast pitch pitcher throughout the 70s, often being hired to pitch for various teams for tournaments, and then played senior softball playing in various leagues and tournaments across the nation and abroad until he was 91 when the Covid 19 pandemic put a stop to the games in 2020. He was also an avid golfer playing throughout his life with good friends and was faithful his whole life at exercising to stay physically fit. Gray also had a passion for competitive West Coast Swing dancing and was involved in the Dallas Push Club for many years. He loved all types of ballroom dancing, especially with his favorite partner, Sandy Trent. Gray had a great sense of humor and was always a very kind likable man. He consistently served as an upright moral example and revived his spiritual life in his final days. To his children, he was a fantastic father: so loving, patient, generous, caring, and strong. He will be sorely missed by them and all who knew him well. Gray Eargle is preceded in death by his father Robert Eargle, his mother Josephine Tennison Eargle, brother John Morgan Eargle, and sister Pauline Eargle Dahlgren. He is survived by daughter Cyndi Eargle Bird with husband William, son Robert Gray Eargle III, and son John Paul Eargle with wife Stephanie. His three grandchildren include Austin Bird with wife Emily, Chansin Bird Esparza with husband Jason, and Ian Bird with wife Stephanie. His five great-grandchildren include Nathan and Allison Bird and August Gray, Felicity, and Micah Esparza. Gray is also survived by his longstanding sweetheart Sandra Trent. A memorial is scheduled for Thursday, December 16th (4;00 pm) at Grace Community Church: 801 W. Bardin Road Arlington, TX 76017 (just south of I-20 and west of Matlock Rd.).
16 Responses
I visited his office many time at Jackson Middle school-lol
He was always fair and listened to what you had to say.
RIP Mr.Eargle
You all lost a great man who was loved by many. Prayers for you as you grieve and figure out what life looks like without this dear man. How wonderful to have so many marvelous memories ❤️
Dear Cyndi,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your Father for I know that you loved him very much. What an incredible gentleman and wonderful father he was to your family. My heart goes out to all of you but we realize what a soul Heaven has gained. Much love to you and all of your family.
I had the distinct pleasure to play golf with Gray in 2020 & 2021 along with his buddy Paul Pederson. What a grand old man he was !! I’m 80 but he still beat me out many times on the Grand Oaks course. He would simply say “have respect for your elders” at those times. I’m a professional musician and we also shared our love for music.
Keep swinging on those heavenly golf courses and dance floors. You were an inspiration.
Charlie Carey, Hurst, Texas
What a great man and excellent life lived
It was 1966-67 that coach Eargle was my 8th grade math teacher at Lee Junior High on Grand Prairie. I was a very shy & quiet young girl and coach Eargle respected that and never put me under a spotlight. I appreciated that so much. He was a very kind & good man and teacher. It was a simpler time back then. I remember as I walked through the hallways going to different classes, I could most everyday hear some students talking about Coach Eargle. Whether 7th, 8th or 9th grades, he was very much recognized as an authority figure. He was a Hugh part of the fabric of Lee Junior High School.The guys held him in high esteem as their Coach. Mostly I remember the atmosphere of going to Lee. It was just so pleasant.
Coach Eargle, REST IN PEACE. ❤ You will be FOREVER REMEMBERED & MISSED…❤
Very simply one of my most memorable mentors from my years at Lee Junior High. Such a calm and persuasive influence. Loved playing on his teams. Still think of him often. My condolences to the family.
He will be missed terribly. I remember so many great golf outings with my dad James R. Carter, Paul Pederson and Gray. We had so much fun memories I will have forever. I am so sorry for your loss and send prayers for comfort and healing. He made such an impact on so many and I am sure he is doing same in heaven now. I am glad to call him a friend.
RIP. Grey was one of my longest Favorite Friends .🙏🙏🙏. Dr Jim Duke. Texarkana
Grey was one year behind me in Texarkana Arkansas High School. Didn’t know him well but always heard good things about him.
Coach Eargel was a neighbor on Huddleston street as I was growing up and also my coach at Lee junior high. I remember him as a good spirited person person.. A good role model and a good coach. The world will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers go to the entire family as we lost Gray. I met Gray as
you might suspect through Senior softball. In fact Gray recruited me to join the Texas Classics, an association that then spanned several years. During that time I played with and against Gray, and realized what a great natural athlete he truly was. Even more than that he was a great friend, steady, kind, and pleasant to be around. He’s probably right now giving St. Peter some tips on the fine art of coaching. Rest in peace, Gray. Your friend, Jim Howden
My sincere condolences to all of Gray’s friends and loved ones. I’m very sorry for your loss. I remember Gray’s love of dance from my time in The Dallas Push Club. He was a smooth dancer, always wanting to learn the new moves. Reading his obituary helped to fill in many gaps I had not known about Gray. He was one of the good guys. RIP Gray
We, Ann Carmichael and myself, send our deepest condolences.
I met Gray between 1986 to 1989 at a Dallas Push Club evwent, after moving to Denton, TX, for a position as librarian at North Texas State University in 1986. Ann met him at a dancing event also sometime after 1989.
We both thought highly of him, and stayed in contact with him, seeing him periodically, after I moved to San Antonio in 1989 and met Ann. We continued involvement with Dallas Push Club events, particularly Dallas Dance on Labor Day weekends, and continued a valued friendship with Gray.
We will miss him.
We appreciate the notification via the email list.
We are sorry for Eargle family’s loss.
Steve (Stephen L. Sexton) and Ann Carmichael
Eargle was one of my daddy Gilbert Waldrips best friends. I remember the family fondly. It has been many years since I have seen the Eargle family but do send deepest sympathy.
Mr eagle was our next door neighbor in Lewisville Texas and married to Freda Kennedy.He was my father s best friend who was Gil Waldrip.i knew your Dad since I was a young girl I called his home a couple of times recently and got no answer.I was hoping nothing was wrong.i am very saddened to find out of his passing.i told him the last time we talked I would come to grand prairie and take him out to eat.he said call first because he still was on a ball team.i loved and miss him.but I know my father Gil Waldrip and Mr.Eargle are having a great time talking softball.sandra waldrip chaffin