Grady Allen Wooten

It was said by so many of his friends that, "A kinder, gentler man, you will never meet." Grady Allen Wooten completed his journey through life on, March 4, 2015, with his family by his side. His children, Missie Wooten, RN and Tyler Wooten, MD, were grateful to witness the passing of such an honored and respected father. Lisa Paine Wooten, devoted, loving, compassionate wife, stroked Grady's hand as he drew his last living breath. She whispered to him that he was deeply loved, allowing him to finally surrender to his 25 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. At a young age, Grady's experience in life began with tragedy. Born in 1940 in Forrest City, Ark., he lost both parents, Grady and Neva Wooten, at the age of 5. He and his two younger brothers, Donnie and Larry, were separated and sent to live with relatives. Grady gathered strength from his adversity at a young age, as he did throughout his life. He rightly identified himself with Bruce Wayne of Batman, and although he started with nothing, he was determined to make something of himself. He was fearless in his youth. Drag racer, train jumper, and rebel with a plan. He trusted that with hard work and perseverance, he could overcome the difficulties of his early life, and quickly brought this plan to fruition. He went from letter pressman, to owner of a successful printing company, Diversified Graphics. He was a member of the National Guard, 32nd Degree Mason, Shriners, Past President of Central Arkansas Executive Association, and greatly respected member and mentor in the business community of Little Rock. He instilled his strong work ethic into his children, making his son dig ditches, poor concrete, and build boat docks. He even gave the not-so-feminine jobs to his daughter, like changing a tire, riding a 4-wheeler and gutting fish. In his private life he truly lived, and his great passion was hunting. He held his lifelong friendships in the highest regard, and Grady along with Dave Watson, and the late Jim Bailey were the great and wise hunters of life itself. These enduring friendships stand as a testament to Grady's commitment to all the relationships in his life, and the ethical principles he held himself to were evident to us all. We will miss you and never forget you. You will always be that noble dark knight that fought for the goodness in yourself and in us all. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dave Watson, Gary Middleton, Brad Horton, Steve Fryxell, Gary Davis and Mark Carroll. A memorial will be held at 4pm, Saturday, March 7th, Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. A reception will follow in their hall. Grady's family request donations be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, Designate: 4E Surgical, in lieu of flowers. www.giving.archildrens.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.