Biography: Perry Daniel “Pedie” Gathright, Jr., 86 of Little Rock, died Tuesday, September 16, 2008. He was born July 22, 1922, in Pine Bluff, to the late Perry Daniel Gathright, Sr. and Ethyl Wallace Gathright. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School as well as Henderson State Teachers College, where he was editor of the school paper “Oracle”. Pedie was a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp, serving in India, and was a Bombidier, flying the “Hump” B-24. He married Betty Jo Tipton in 1947. In 1952 he helped his father begin Gathright Van and Storage on Broadway, and retired in 1987. Pedie was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and the Butler Sunday School Class. Pedie enjoyed serving the community and was a part of several organizations, such as: Lions Club, Jaycees, Sales Executive Club, board member of the Better Business Bureau, Henderson State Alumni Association and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1956. He enjoyed participating in the Kiwanis Minstrel and was the emcee for numerous beauty pageants. Pedie was a well-known motivational speaker with a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Jo Gathright; son, Jody D. Gathright and his wife Becky; grandchildren, Stephanie Lea Gathright and Jordan Daniel Gathright; brother, former State Senator, Morrell Gathright and his wife Alice; nephew, John Gathright; niece, Lori Kurtz; other relatives and friends. There will be a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Ruebel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society or the American Heart Association.