of Paris, AR

July 26, 1938 - December 12, 2022

Dan Gray, age 84, of Paris, Arkansas went to his heavenly home on Monday, December 12, 2022 in Russellville, Arkansas. He was born on July 26, 1938 in Dublin, Arkansas to his parents, Leon and Zenia (Ramsey) Gray who named him Danny Mac. Until his college days, Danny was the name by which he was best known. To certain childhood friends, his name has never changed.

When Dan was four years of age, his family moved to Paris where he spent most of his childhood. After graduating from Paris High School, Dan completed two years of college in Oklahoma at Panhandle State, then transferred to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Dan attributed his successful career as a CPA to the education he received at Arkansas Tech. He enjoyed a 36-year career with the IRS as a Large Case Exam Team Coordinator for corporations.

Having lived in Fort Smith for many years, upon retirement Dan moved back to his hometown where he enjoyed reconnecting with friends and making new ones. After a time, however, he wrote to a friend that he missed the satisfaction that only comes from doing work of which we are proud. Dan then resumed performing seasonal tax work, a job he continued until this year.

During his lifetime, Dan's sincerity, honesty, helpfulness, sense of humor, and quiet demeanor endeared him to family and friends. Baseball was a special part of his life, beginning at a young age memorizing names and positions of major league players and remembering them his entire life. As a player, he usually was a third baseman - youngster to American Legion and high school, and, as he said, a ''minor'' player at Panhandle. For three consecutive years in high school football days, he received the ''Best Tackler'' award, weighing in at a whopping 135 lbs as a sophomore!

Trips taken near and far were special though none could take the place of his favorite Mount Magazine. Dan visited the mountain and the Lodge at every opportunity. He derived great contentment from the majestic presence of Mount Magazine, viewed daily across the rolling pasture, from his own back yard.

He enjoyed listening to many genres of music and attending concerts. Caring for his pets, playing golf, and joining his afternoon coffee buddies, all good times for him.

His strong faith sustained him during his lifetime, beginning at First Presbyterian Church in Paris as a child attending with his family. Dan was happiest when family gathered together, whether it was for special holidays, reunions, or simply ordinary visits. He delighted in reminiscing about special family times in Paris, Scranton, Dublin and Tokalon.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Amanda Jane Gray of the home; his sister, Sue Cummings Stallings of Russellville; his brother, R. L. Gray of Fayetteville; his niece, Courtney Gray of St. Louis, Missouri; his nephew, Gary Gray of Huntsville; many great and great-great nieces and nephews plus cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved nephew, David Cummings.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church of Paris conducted by H. C. Varnadore. Active pallbearers will be Isaac Churchman, Marlin Davis, Bob Floren, Gary Gray, Chester Koprovic, and Stan Robinson. Honorary pallbearer is David Armbruster. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Paris by Roller Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be made to the ATU Business Department through the ATU Foundation online at www.atualumni.com/givenow or by check payable to the ATU Foundation. Please include ''Dan Gray'' Memorial'' in the memo line and send to: ATU Foundation Admin Room 209 1509 N. Boulder Ave Russellville AR 72801 or to the charitable organization of your choice. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
1700 East Walnut Street
Paris, AR  72855
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com