Tristen L. Grayson
On Jan. 7, 2018 a Legend by the name of Tristen L. Grayson died. Funeral services for Grayson was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 in the Leon High School Gymnasium. The Reverend Ray Payne officiated. Interment followed the service at Sand Hill Cemetery in Buffalo. Visitation was held prior to the service at 10 a.m. On Dec. 7, 1986 an American Hero by the name of Tristen Grayson was born. That day parents Leon Grayson and Cynthia Haynes welcomed a healthy beautiful baby boy. Born with a heart of gold and an ambition so fierce, Grayson would grow to touch every life he encountered. Being raised on the Beddingfield Ranch helped mold Tristen to be the man he was. At an early age, he learned from his father Lendale how to cut hay, move round bales, pin cows and do so much more. Aside from all of the hard work, there was much fun to be had as well on that ranch. Tristen had such a great love for hunting and fi shing. He also had a knack for breaking horses, and a love for riding. Grayson went to school at Leon Independant School District from elementary through high school. Throughout those years he played a lot of different sports, did well in school academically, and of course had many, many friends. Grayson graduated high school in May of 2005. On June 7, 2005 he enlisted into the United States Army. His journey in the army would take him all over the world and open his eyes to things much larger than living in a small town of Texas would ever show him. He spent 12 and one half years in the military climbing the ranks quickly, and proving to so many that he took his career very seriously. He had three tours of duty overseas, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Tristen was awarded the bronze star for exceptionally meritorious service in Afghanistan and for bringing his soldiers home safely. In 2015 Tristen was promoted to Sergeant First Class. Grayson was a superior leader, compassionate mentor, and positive role model for all. During his career he met a woman by the name of Dana. From the moment he laid his eyes on her he knew she was “the one.” On Nov. 18, 2008 they were married less than a year after meeting. After some time spent together at their first duty station in Germany Dana became pregnant with their first and only child. On May 29, 2010 they welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Justin Grayson, into this world. Justin was the light of his father’s life. They did everything together. Tristen taught him to be a little man at seven years old. They both had a strong love and passion for football, hunting, fishing, riding four wheelers, horseback riding and so much more. Where there was one, there was always the other. They were best friends and inseparable. Tristen was the greatest husband but an even better father. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of so many. He is survived by his wife, Dana R. Grayson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; one son, Justin L. Grayson; his father, Leon D. (Lendell) Grayson & wife Maria of Jewett; his mother, Cynthia Haynes of Huntsville; two brothers, Leon Grayson and Broderick McKinzie; one sister, Chrysti Grayson; other relatives and friends. Tristen was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Johnny and Ruth Grayson and his maternal grandparents, Hazor and Fannie Lee Haynes. Visit Ricks-Bowers Funeral Home’s website at bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.