Obituary: Franklin Gray Sr.

Franklin Gray Sr., 51, of Conway, passed away Monday, Aug. 3.

Franklin was born to the late Dr. Norman E. Gray and to Mary Ellen Gray of Morrilton.

Franklin is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy; daughter, Jessica Gray; two sons, Joseph Gray and Franklin Gray Jr. and wife Amanda Gray; mother, Mary Ellen Gray Cheek; and many other close family and friends. Franklin was a member of the Parents Board of Directors for University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas Foundation Chancellors Circle member for UAMS, member of the Arkansas State Committee of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, benefactor for the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago and a charter pillar of The Pillars of the Community for the United Way of Faulkner County.

He was the owner of Concrete Solutions of Northwest Arkansas LLC, Concrete Solutions USA LLC, and True Diamond Polishing of Conway. He was senior vice president of institutional investments for Sterne, Agee, and Leach in Little Rock, Capital Source in ChevyChase, Md., with whom he opened the first offices in Conway and Simmons First Investment Group Inc., in Little Rock. Franklin was a devoted husband, a loving father and a compassionate friend who enjoyed the outdoors and starting Lollie Bottoms Sportmans Association in Conway. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Franklin grew up in Morrilton where he was an all-state tight end at Morrilton High School, played football and graduated college from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason of Little Rock.

Per Franklin’s request, a private family service will be held. Memorials can be made to Grace United Methodist Church 1075 Hogan Lane, Conway, or The Myeloma Institute for Reasearch and Therapy at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Box No. 816, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205.