of Damascus, AR
August 4, 1930 - April 8, 2015
Don Gray, Jr., 84, of Martinville, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 8, 2015. He was born August 4, 1930 in Hattiesburg, MS to the late Jesse Donald Gray, Sr. and Aubrey Louise Dobbs Gray. Don was also preceded in death by his first wife, Annie Jean Triggs Gray, brother, Bob Gray, and granddaughter, Laura Beth Gray.
Don was a longtime member of the Martinville Church of Christ. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. Don was employed as a distributor for Tom's Toasted Peanuts for 35 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Don also enjoyed collecting guns and knives. He was a very friendly person who never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor. Don always looked forward to company and enjoyed playing cards with his friends and family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family very much.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Claudia Carolyn Sams Gray, three sons, Don Gray III (Brenda) of Allen, TX, Robin Gray (A.J.) of Vilonia, AR, and Steve Beene of Conway, AR, two daughters, Nelda Reed (Steve) of Conway, AR and his faithful caregiver and daughter, Luana Beene, seven grandchildren, Katie Gray, Luke Gray, Pate Reed, Ashli Beene, Annie Beth Wheeler, Brittni Gray, and Jeri McNac, and ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway (501) 327-7727, with Tim Copeland officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Pate Reed, Luke Gray, Mark Gray, Randy Tapely, Kent Baker, and George Baker. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Hospice Home Care.
I have just read the obituaries and heard of the passing of a gentlemen that had an influence on my life. I worked for Don in the 1970, driving a Tom's truck.
I had the opportunity to meet his lovely wife and children.
So sorry for your loss.
Shelby Johnston
We can be at peace knowing Don is no longer struggling for a breath, and walking free and easy without a cane or walker.
Carolyn and Luana, Don was blessed to have you two in his life so happy he would let you know how much he appreciated and loved you. He knew everything you did was an act of love not a sacrifice. Love you both, Starla
Prayers and deepest sympathy for your loss, and comfort for the coming days.. Mike and Edith Seger
Nelda, Steve and family so sorry for your loss, yu will be in our thoughts and prayers. Ann & Bruce
Mr. Don was such a precious soul. I looked forward to his kind words and wonderful humor each Sunday. He will be forever missed. Much love to your wonderful family sweet man!
Aunt Carolyn,Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you at this time.I love you and wish we lived closer.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
It will be sad to go to Martinville and not get to visit with Don. Our visit 2 weeks ago we laughed as usual and he never failed to ask about my Family especially my Grandkids...they loved to visit too. Don was so blessed to have Carolyn and Luanna as his caregivers, such a heart of gold has Luanna as she tended to both her mother as she was recuperating from a broke shoulder and Don whom totally depended on her. for such a long time...RIP "Big Daddy". Prayers for the entire Gray Family as they go through this difficult time.