Ronald Gray

Ronald Earl Gray, 74, left this life August 2, 2013 at the West wood Hills Health Care Center. He was born April 27, 1939 in Fairdealing, Mo, son of Earl and Amy Gray.

Almost fifty years ago he married Sarah Reed Gray in Blytheville, Ar. She survives of the home.

Mr. Gray received his BA and MA degrees from Arkansas State University. He taught school before becoming a counselor at the Poplar Bluff Jr. High until 1970. At that time he became a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of MO.

He was a member of the Green Forest Church of Christ, chairman for Region 8 MRDD, working with George Sifford to help establish several sheltered workshops in the 8 county area, as well as working toward the establishment of the Group Homes at the Poplar Bluff Regional Center. He retired from that position in 1992 and began work as a counselor at the Mingo Job Corp until 1997 when he fully retired.

Mr. Gray loved to play golf and formed many longtime friendships on the golf course. He was known to get quite excited about the game and often had his dog, Nicki, with him. He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying the History of the Civil War, enjoyed watching sports, especially football and basketball, and some also called him an expert trivia player.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his stepson; Tommy Rutherford (Carla) of North Little Rock, AR, 3 grandchildren; Chris Rutherford (Becca) of Sherwood, AR, Walker and Lilly Gray and their mother Stephanie Wilkinson of Cordova, TN; one sister, Anne Gray Glynn and two nephews; Andrew and Christian Glynn of Falls Church, VA.

Mr. Gray was preceded in death by his parents, his son; Ronald Earl Gray, Jr. and a special cousin; Betty Jean Gibson.

Ron and Sarah felt so blessed with al the visitors during his long illness, and the family requests any memorials be made to the Green Forest Church Building Fund.

A gathering of family and friends will be at 1:30 Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service beginning at 2:30.