Phillip Don Gray of Benton, 87, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024 surrounded by his children. Born to the late Lucille and Phillip Holder Gray, Don is predeceased by his parents, his son, Brian Gray and his beloved wife, Amanda Meeks Gray. Don is survived by his brother Johnny, of Bentonville, children Brett Gray of North Little Rock, Kimberly Gray Lewis of Little Rock, Ashley Gray of Little Rock and grandchildren Gray Sexton Lewis of Fayetteville, John Logan Lewis of Dallas, Blakelee Martin of Bryant, Baylor Gray of Haskell, Baker Gray of Haskell and Blair Jane Gray of Bryant.

Don enjoyed a wonderful carefree childhood with his younger brother Johnny riding horses, playing baseball and basketball, and doing all things boy. When Don and Johnny were together, there was nothing but laughter and reminiscing about old memories.

Don graduated from Camden High School and attended the University of Arkansas where he pledged Lambda Chi with fellow Camden buddies. He later attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia where he made many great memories with his roommate Dr. Floyd Kyser.

After college, Don married Amanda Meeks. He briefly served in the Navy Reserve and went on to have a long career with Chrysler Financial.  He and Amanda were blessed with four children.

Don is best remembered as a gentle giant, tall in stature, with a Tom Selleck smile, keen wit, and kind nature. A man who never had a bad word to say, his personality was magnetic. Don never met a stranger. Don was a family man, a gentleman, and a Godly man. He served as a devoted deacon for his church family at Indian Springs where he stayed active until prevented by illness, and often provided doughnuts to his morning worship groups. Don was also an avid golfer and spent many hours on the course with his best friend, Buzz May.

Don and Amanda loved taking the kids back to the Ouachita Valley Golf Tournament at the Camden Country Club each year to visit old friends and family, as well as memorable trips to the beach with their grandkids. Don's kids remember him being an overprotective dad, calling daily to say "be careful, love you and say your prayers."  In his later years, Don often reminisced about trips to Colorado with longtime friends, Cissie and Buzz May.

Don loved his family immensely, and he provided them with constant unconditional love and support until his death. He and Amanda were married for 60 years, and he never left her side during Amanda's 3-year illness. His faith was unwavering, and it carried him through the heartache of losing his youngest son and his beloved Amanda.

His family will never forget his endearing love, constant support, charm, good looks and love of a cold beer and good cigar.

The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice, Kelle Mills and caregivers, Cheryl Kendrick, Rebecca Brown, Laura Mannes, Krista Pruett, Kristen Craig, Amanda Fairchild along with the wonderful office staff who took care of all our needs and concerns. The family also thanks Don's personal caregivers, Tonya Scott, Jimice Ford, Destiny Bolton and Mary Eason and additionally Arkansas Heart Wound Care Team, CARTI, Dr. David Backstedt, Dr. Scott Beau and Dr. Blake Norris and their staffs.

Services will be held on Monday, July 15th at Ashby Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and service at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant.

On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.