Donald Gregory Wren

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First United Methodist Church
Conway, AR  
Monday, April 22, 2019
2:00PM
Donald Gregory Wren

of Conway, AR

May 1, 1947 - April 17, 2019

Donald Gregory ''Greg'' Wren, 71, born in Dermott, AR on May 1st, 1947 to Don and Jeanne Wren, passed away on April 17th, 2019 in Conway, Arkansas surrounded by family and friends.

Greg was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and his brother in law, Allan Bruner. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pamela Anne (Porter) Wren of Conway, AR; daughters Amber Vicory (Mike) of Covington, LA; Ashlie Wills (Eric) of Conway, AR; Ali Blanchette (Richard) of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Walker Wills, Wren Wills, Anna Vicory, Ben Vicory, Beckett Blanchette, Parker Blanchette, and Reese Blanchette and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Greg graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1965, where he was a member of the football team and track team. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Central Arkansas receiving a Bachelors of Science. At UCA, he was an active member of Sigma Tau Gamma where he made some lifelong friendships. Greg was also a 4-year letterman of UCA's swim team. He then earned his Certificate of Physical Therapy at Baylor University in Dallas. He's been a licensed Physical Therapist in Arkansas since 1971.
Greg's love for helping people drew him to the medical field. Greg and Pam started Conway Physical Therapy in 1974. They played a huge role in bringing direct services to this area of the state. They were very involved in the Arkansas Physical Therapy Association where Greg served as President.

In 1993, Greg was elected as State Representative of the 44th District of Arkansas, serving three two-year terms. During his time in the legislature, he brought much attention to the therapy field and served as Vice Chair of the budget committee, Vice Chair of the Health, Welfare, and Labor committee, and Vice Chair of State Agencies and Government Affairs. Greg was patriotic and loved his time as a public servant.

Greg believed his greatest achievement was his family. If you ever crossed paths with Greg it was immediately evident how much he loved his ''girls.'' The love multiplied as he was given the gift of seven grandchildren that he adored. That adoration was returned in equal. ''Grumpy'' was known for spontaneous dance parties, making silly faces, providing meals, and a calm reassurance that they were loved beyond measure.

Greg was instantly attracted to Pam as she was different than any woman he had ever met. He pursued her fiercely because he could see she was his perfect balance. He told jokes, and she laughed. They were dedicated, loyal, and a wonderful example of a real marriage for their girls. He was a loving husband, doting father, and proud grandfather.

Greg had many talents. He often expressed himself through thoughtful poems and silly songs. He had a deep desire to provide for his family and would pursue various businesses with passion, including building a gymnastics and dance center so his girls would have the best available to them. He was intelligent and loved crunching the numbers for any possible business venture, investment, or just out of curiosity.

He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Conway. He was a founding and active member of the Koinonia Sunday School Class, he attended discipleship classes where he challenged everyone to ask and answer the hard questions, and he supported and volunteered with Ozark Mission Project. His love of the Lord was truly evident in the way he lived his life.

Greg loved entertaining others with his great sense of humor. He had a tremendous heart and was a friend to many in every walk of life. He exemplified Christ's call to love your neighbor. He often invited friends to celebrate the holidays with his family if he was worried they may have no place to go. He often showed his love through cooking and was quite the chef. Greg decided to pick up painting at age 60. He attended weekly art classes and was a talented artist. He was an avid UCA Bear and Arkansas Razorback fan and loved motorcycle trips with friends. He and Pam loved cruising, traveling, and family vacations.

Greg's life will always be cherished. His legacy lives on in the lives of his family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 22nd at 2pm at First Methodist Church; 1610 Prince St., Conway, AR., with a visitation to directly follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to FUMC Conway, Ozark Mission Project, UCA Foundation, or another local charity.


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26 Condolence(s)
Patricia Hackney Loveless
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 25, 2019

I pray Go will have his arms around you and your family with love and comfort as long as needed.

Bob a Scroggin
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Pam i was so sorry to hear about greg passing i am praying for you i love you

Yvonne
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Pam, I am so sorry for your deep loss. Please know I am praying for you and your family that Jesus, Our Great Comforter will bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Kathlyn
Vilonia, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. Greg was such a good and kind gentleman. May your memories and God’s love bring you and your family comfort . Kathlyn

Patti (Porter) Hendricks
Colorado Springs, CO
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

Oh how we will miss our brother in law Greg!! He was so full of life and and always added laughter and great fun for our family! He was a great husband, father, grandfather (Grumpy), brother in law, and uncle whom was loved by many! We are so saddened by our loss, but his legacy will live on in our wonderful memories! He will continue to smile down on us and make us laugh! We are so thankful for the 46 years Greg has blessed our family!

Amy Erbach Hancock
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

I was so sad to hear that Mr. Greg had passed. He helped me tremendously with physical therapy in high school. He was truly a good man with a big heart. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Marsha Lewis
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

Hi Pam, So sorry to hear of the loss of Greg. All though it's been many years, I always enjoyed working with both of you. Thought of, and prayers to you.
Marsha

David Hawks
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

What good times I will remember, motorcycle trips out west , and later the joy of sitting next to him in paint class painting the world. My heart goes out to all the family but I know the legacy of a great man will live on through years to come.

Vance M Strange
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

Dear Pam and Family the Strange Family sends their wishes for peace of mind now that he is in a better place. He had fought hard and long with the "Wren Spirit". There were so many wonderful memories created by his presence in others lives. Stay strong and faithful.

Jason Glazebrook
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Greg was a great man and father. I always loved his amazing energy and positive attitude. He was so good to all of us. I hope I can be half the father to my girls as he was to his. God bless you greg and your beautiful family.

Susan & Stanley Woodard
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

To our dear sweet friends,
We were so sorry to hear about Greg. This man was an absolute treasure to our family. As you all know, Beth just made herself at home in your family from kindergarten until you probably had to run her off. Having Greg around for her was like getting to go to the circus every day with all of her "sisters"! There was just no end to his definition of fun. His obituary is filled with his antics and love of family. An amazing man, he lived life to the fullest and wanted this for every single person he encountered. His friends and family were blessed to have had him and that special kind of love will never be forgotten. Love and prayers to all of you.

Kay Front Barger Baudier
Edgemont, AR
Liked
Sunday, April 21, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Greg was a dear friend since college...not to mention a great student center bridge partner. He will be missed.

Rebekah Olds Bilderback
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, April 21, 2019

Pam and girls, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you during your time of sorrow.

Mieke and Bubba Corbitt
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, April 21, 2019

Prayers for the whole Wren clan. Both Bubba and I have so many fond memories of your family. From Mieke’s gymnastics days with Ashlie and then physical therapy meetings to Bubba beinging sat down by Greg and instructed to take care of his precious cargo (Amber) on a date. Our lives have been connected for so long and our hearts are saddened by your loss.

Bonnie Sweet
Ash Flat, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

MY Sincere Heartfelt Sympthay to Pam, Amber,Ali, Ashley and all those Precious Grandchildren...I have been very Blessed to have known you and shared many wonderful ocassions with you, in your home, in Hardy and Little Rock, for so many years...I feel like part of your family...Heaven has gained another Angel,and Greg, Jean & Don are Celebrating once again...MY Heart Reaches out to you All..I know how much he loved, and was loved, by his Family...Please know that MY Prayers are with you, especially at this time ..I feel your Loss...Bonnie

Linda Shelton Duncan
Little Rockwhat, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

What a special man. My prayers are with Pam and family at this time. I was lucky to meet Greg at Central High School and then meet Pam through their good friends, Tommy and Judy Hollowell.

wandacollins
greenwoodarkansas, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

pam myprayers with you family love all you enjoy working with him at er conway

Kaci (Allen) Johnson
Summers, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

My prayers and thoughts are with you - the entire Wren family! I witnessed first hand how much Greg loved Pam, his girls and grandchildren! Always happy, always ready to play! He treated me like his family....he will he missed.

I love you Ashlie - I am so sorry!

Kaci

Lori Q Dial
Conway, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

Pam, I have such fond memories of working for you two at Conway Therapy Services! Greg's kindness, care for our patients, and desire for good-natured fun was always evident. I'll never forget our many lunches sitting around the table in the kitchen, swapping stories and just enjoying some downtime, as if we were truly a family. And we were--Greg saw to that. As I've bumped into other therapists and staff who were there at that time, we always reminisce about those great times. He was a great boss who truly cared about his staff!

I know he will be missed tremendously! Love to you and your family, Lori

Randy O. Bowling
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Greg was a great man. A high honor to meet & work with a true statesman & man of integrity, ethics, & morals in the Ark. State House.

We most definitely need more statesman like him.

/s/Randy O. Bowling, BS Health Education
UCA 8/11/1978
Arkansas Thoracic Society (ArTS)
past lab staff UAMSC--Medical, Pharmacy, Dental Hygiene, Med Tech.
House Candidate 2000 (d), 2006 (r).

R.O.B./

Georgia Ross
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I'm praying for you and family! I always enjoyed seeing Greg.

Sherry mcbryde
North little rock, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Oh how we wll miss you Greg. I never tired of hearing your stories whether intriguue,new mysteries, or tall tales of past adventures. We loved sharing laughter with you. We loved sharing life; the Joys and sorrows, the trips, the lake, the arrival of so many precious little ones, yours, ours and the Hollowells. We shared fancy meals, homevooked meals, catfish and a million burgers. You wanted to go to Gadwalls one more time....and win at dominoes one more time! I treasure all the memories of sharing 47 years with you. The Godfamily is richer and wiser because of your influence. We are one less in number but we are wealthy in the treasure of your example of living life fully with devotion to God, with energy, unparelled commitment to family, a great sense of adventure, and contagious humor. Thank you for being our friend Greg Wren. We will meet you on Heavens shores.

Barbara Gill
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Thinking of you all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Love Barbara & Mark Bailey

Melinda Reynolds
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Pam and family, Greg was a great man. I enjoyed being able to work with him when he was a State Legislator. Greg will be missed. You will be in our prayers.

Kaye Hoggard
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Beautiful obituary. Greg also helped Conway’s early Lamaze instructors by providing a place for us to teach hundreds of expectant couples about childbirth and Lamaze techniques.

Greg was a great man who deeply loved his family and friends. My prayers are with you.

Cindy Paap Wilkes
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Thoughts and prayers