Walter Cecil Gray
Walter Cecil Gray, 83, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, died August 18, 2020, at The Maples at Har-Ber Meadows, Springdale, Arkansas. He was born March 24, 1937, outside of Wayne, Oklahoma, to Jess Allison and Nellie Josephine Gray. Walter moved to Siloam Springs from Leach, Oklahoma, in 1953. Walter graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1956. He married Patricia (Patsy) Bryan on September 28, 1956. Walter became a real estate broker in 1964 and remained a real estate broker with headquarters in Siloam Springs for 50 years. He was licensed in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Texas, with multiple satellite offices and many sale associates.
Walter developed residential, commercial and multi-family sub divisions mostly in Siloam Springs. He and three other investors acquired Dawn Hill County Club and redeveloped it into a full service club and resort known as Dawn Hill Golf and Racquet Club, The Gem of the Ozarks. He was appointed by the Governor to the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission from 1969 to 1972, and served for over 40 years as chairman of the Siloam Springs Industrial and Highway Committees.
Walter served as president of the Siloam Springs Jaycees, the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Siloam Springs Rotary Club, and the West Benton County Board of Realtors. He joined the Masonic Lodge at the age of 21 and was a 32nd degree Mason.
After Patsy’s death, he married Donnita Lawlis Rakestraw. Walter attended First Christian Church in Siloam Springs. He received the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Citizen Award in 2010.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patsy; son, Ric Gray; brothers, Jack Gray and Tom Gray; and sister, Elaine Mendenhall. Survivors include his children, Kimberly Hager and husband Ron of Cave Springs, Arkansas, and Rod Gray and wife Sandra of Centerton, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Meghan Laffoon, Gray Hager, Fallon Boling, Paige Davis, Maloree Gray, Julian Gray, and Chanel Gray; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Bob Gray of Siloam Springs.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Cremation arrangements are with Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs.