Richard Lee Gray

Richard L. Gray, 85, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024.

Born on May 19, 1939, at his grandparents' farmhouse in Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania, Richard was the son of Wilbur and Jessie Lee Gray. He was a proud graduate of Waynesburg High School, class of 1957, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, followed by a master’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. His professional life was marked by a deep commitment to education. He began his career as a high school teacher and head coach at Marion High School and Oak Hill High School in Marion, Indiana. After relocating to Arkansas, Richard devoted 11 years to Lake Hamilton High School as a vocational co-op special education teacher, where he was honored as Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1986.

Richard’s dedication continued as he taught and coordinated the Adult Basic Education program at the Hot Springs Rehab for 7 years, earning the title of Outstanding Rehab Instructor of the Year for the state of Arkansas in 1993. His final role before retirement was as an Industrial Coordinator for the State of Arkansas, where he was recognized as Outstanding Employee of the Year by the Garland County Industrial Development Commission in 1996.

An active member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Hot Springs for over 40 years, Richard’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served the church in various capacities including Trustee, Music Director, and Sunday School Superintendent. His unwavering faith and love for Christ were evident in all aspects of his life as a brother, husband, father, teacher, friend, and grandfather. His final act of service was as an organ and tissue donor. 

Richard had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying golfing, hunting, and fishing. However, his greatest joy came from his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored and proudly spoke of to anyone who would listen. He was their biggest fan and loved to watch them play ball. When his health no longer allowed him to attend in person, he was eager to hear all the details of every game.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Howard Gray of New Columbia, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Judith Whitt Gray; his daughter, Kim (Cary) Rogers of Glenwood, Arkansas; and three grandchildren, Lauren (Anthony) Lupardus of Kansas City, Missouri, and Hayden and Nathan Rogers of Glenwood, Arkansas. He also leaves behind his siblings: Gary Gray of Gun Barrel City, Texas; Bonnie (Kenny) Kiger of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; Bob (Denise) Gray of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania; and Carla (Bill) Kiger of Milton, Pennsylvania, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Free Will Baptist Church.

Services for Richard will be held on Saturday, August 24, at Smith Funeral Home of Hot Springs, AR. Visitation will start at 10:00 am, with the service to follow at 11:00 am.

Guest registry at www.Smithfamilycares.com