Austin Gray's Obituary
The passing of Austin Whitney Gray marks a deep irreplaceable loss felt by many. He was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. His amazing laugh and playful personality filled our hearts with happiness and eased any stress.
Austin was born in Oakland, California, on August 8, 1986, as the younger of two sons to Arnold Gray and Constance Gray. He accepted Christ into his heart at 17 years of age and was baptized at Acts Full Gospel COGIC in Oakland, California.
As a young boy, Austin was fascinated with animals and could name many bird species. But from childhood to adulthood what he enjoyed most was food. Austin’s childhood was filled with adventure, video games, and riding bikes on trails in the hills near his beloved Granny B’s home. Later, he developed a love of music and was an innovative, “dance like no body’s watching” dancer. He was very fashion forward and even designed his own Jeans. He attended several schools including Luxor Academy in Oakland and Berkeley Public Schools where he formed lasting friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life.
Austin had a daughter, Amirah Rosalind, with Adrienne Gardea on April 3, 2008. In 2011, Austin was introduced to Allyce Escorcia by her childhood best friend Johnny Manibusan. The two were married October 6, 2012, in Moreno Valley, California, with his 4-year-old daughter Amirah as their flower girl. On October 23, 2014, Allyce and Austin had a daughter, Arlyn Elise, officially making Austin a “Girl Dad.” His girls were his heartbeat.
Austin worked in various roles within food service and excelled in management, a field that reflected his outgoing nature and strong work ethic. A true foodie at heart, he took joy in exploring flavors, sharing meals, and bringing people together through food.
Austin held a special place in his family. He was dearly known for the love, laughter (his laugh was contagious), big smile, and joy he shared with family and friends. His playful spirit made him a beloved presence at family gatherings and especially at birthday parties for his girls. Friends and relatives always commented on how funny he was and that he had the personality to befriend any stranger.
On December 27, 2025, Austin made his journey to his resting place in the Lord.
Proceeding his death were his maternal grandfather William Newson, Sr., and his paternal grandparents Zane Gray and Rosalind (Flewellen) Brown.
Austin leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Allyce; his daughters, Amirah and Arlyn; his mother, Constance “Safi” Jiroh; his father, Arnold Gray (wife, Diana); his brother Aaron Gray (wife, Tacorra); Mother-in-Law Johanna Valle; Brothers-in-Law Oscar, Johannes, and Yaya Escobar; his nieces Adrienne Gray and Aniyah Muhammad; his nephews, Ahmaree and Ahmeer Muhammad; his uncle and aunt Anthony and Angelia Fox; his uncle Anthony Gray (wife, LaVon); his uncle William Newson, Jr.; his grandmother “Gran” Fernette Newson; his special brothers Zyan and Ezra Manjon, along with a host of cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his generous spirit and enduring love.
Austin will be profoundly missed and though his passing brings much sorrow, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched with his contagious joy.
In lieu of flowers; the family has requested donations be made to the following organization: https://www.cityteam.org/get-involved/donate-oakland
The Repass will be at San Pablo Park in the Rec room: 2800 Park St., Berkeley, CA
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