John Randall Gramling

John Randall Gramling, born June 3, 1950, died on Dec. 18, 2015. "Johnny" was one of four children of J.S. and Sarah Gramling born in Rogers, Ark.: Johnnie Sue, John Randall, Tanya Rea and James Douglas. Johnny had four children and is survived by all four of his children: John Jason Gramling and his family (wife Amy, daughter Sidney, sons Jake and Conner all of Bentonville); Eric Wade Gramling of Fayetteville, Ark., Jonathan Gramling of Virginia Beach, Va. and daughter Hope Smatsky (and her daughter Sky of Florida). Johnny is also survived by his brother, Doug Gramling and his family, (wife Diana, two daughters, Mallory Zaffaroni, son-in-law Matt and granddaughter Parker, all of Fayetteville, and daughter Morgan of Little Rock). During Johnny's life he owned or managed multiple new and used car dealerships in Rogers, Fayetteville and Bentonville, Ark., also Tulsa and Muskogee, Okla. and Virginia Beach, Va. In the last few years of his life, he moved back to Rogers, Ark. and sold real estate for Lindsey Real Estate where he made many close friends. If you spent time with Johnny, you liked Johnny. He was successful in sales, in part, because he was a charmer- someone people gravitated to and wanted to be friends with. In his younger life he sowed his wild oats and was not someone you would immediately associate with Christian faith, but that changed later in life. It changed, long before cancer had the opportunity to scare him into believing in God. It changed because he began talking to God, praying to God until he knew God. He was not shy about talking about his faith and telling you he knew God loved him and would have life after death. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Rogers, Ark. Johnny knew he would pass away within months of his diagnosis which allowed him to say good bye to many, many friends and family. He felt privileged to have so many come see him during his illness. All three of his ex-wives were at one point at his side showing love and compassion. His ex-wife Kay traveled from Virginia and son Jonathan traveled from South Korea, to let him know his importance in their lives. His final weeks were spent being cared for by his high school sweetheart and companion, Gretchen Teeter, who gave him constant loving and compassionate care. To all those who went to see Johnny and tell him good bye and to all those who put Johnny and his family in their prayers, thank you. It was Johnny's desire that there be no service. Johnny's children, Jason, Eric, Jonathan and Hope ask that in lieu of flowers you may have otherwise bought, please give something in John's name to your church, charity or merely someone in need. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers.