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William Edward

William Edward "Ed" Gray


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Jul 2nd, 2016

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  • Death Date: Jul 2, 2016

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Biography: William Edward Gray, known to all as Ed Gray, died early Saturday morning, July 2nd. While he claimed to have been born in a chicken coop, it is verifiable that he was born near Pottsville, Arkansas, on November 28, 1946, the ninth of 10 children. He is preceded in death by mother, Effie Lee Oswalt, father, Robert Lee Gray, brothers, Fred, James, Billy, and Bobby, and sisters, Mae, Jessie Faye, and Ruby. He is survived by son, Watkins Fulk-Gray, brother, Johnny, sister, Pearl, and sisters-in-law, Paula, Mary, and Shirley. All will likely agree that Ed's strongest character traits were stubbornness, intellectual curiosity, big-heartedness, and a sometimes dark sense of humor. He never saw stray animals, because he always adopted them, and never saw a homeless person without food or drink, because he provided it. He is in a better place, but he will be missed. All readers who are struggling with alcoholism or other addictions are encouraged to seek help and treatment. Alcoholism is a disease with a cure, but the struggle is lifelong. Ed knew this better than anyone. A celebration of life service may be held at a future date. Check his Facebook page for updates.

Condolences(07)
Lawrence Gray
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our lives took different paths but my memories of you shall remain as a pleasant time in a long past childhood. Godspeed Ed.
George Markham
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
You were a good man Ed Gray, and you did much good in this world. Give my regards to George Bentley, won't you please, and know that your reading of "Fire, the Next Sharp Stick" was, perhaps, the funniest thing I ever heard in my life.
God bless and keep you.
Peggy
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
sending love to Ed's son and all who knew him. he helped me grow up when i was in my 20s and we worked together at the Northwest Arkansas Times...a good man, a big heart, a way with words...
Jill Cox
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Oh, my dear friend. Emily still remembers the books you gifted her. I remember our long visits. I will miss you, more than you will ever know. Rest well, my friend!
Jack E Schnedler
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Ed was a Democrat-Gazette colleague always up to a good conversation about books or politics or life in general. He humored me by running an array of my articles and book reviews in Perspective. He was perhaps too gentle of a soul for the rigors of this world.
Judith Killen
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My friendship with Ed was a gift from Facebook--someone I may never have met otherwise and I cant remember exactly how we connected. But in the short time I knew him, I could see he was a man of many talents, an excellent writer, deep thinker, lover of animals and all victims of injustice. A kind man. I will miss you Ed, and it was a treat to cross your path.
Gary Speed
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I worked at the Arkansas Gazette with Ed in the late 1970s. In more recent times, we became Facebook friends. I enjoyed reading his views on the world, opinions about politics and the newspaper business and war stories from the Gazette. He also had a good eye for photography. I've missed him as his presence faded from social media. Condolences to his family and friends who miss him dearly.

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