Thomas Ray Graddy

Thomas Ray Graddy, age 90, of Benton, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. Ray was born June 12, 1925 in Van Buren County, Ark. He was a W.W. II Army Veteran. Ray worked as a carpenter in his early years and later as a Construction Superintendent for many companies before he retired. However, he came out of retirement and worked for the City of Benton as the Building Inspector for another five years. After his second retirement, he started writing short stories and wrote & published his memoirs called "Patches and Beyond". He had a very determined, confident attitude when facing life's challenges. Ray was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, the Toastmasters Club, and an avid golfer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Pearl Graddy; wife of 67 years, Lela Graddy; two brothers, Ralph Graddy and Dale Graddy and two sisters, Ruby Cullum and Lavada Haltom. He is survived by his two daughters, Diane Prokos of Sanford, N. C. and Debbie Tully and husband, James of Benton; brother, James Graddy; two sisters, Hazel Flaxa and Lois Morgan; five grandchildren: Chris Shepard, Paul Shepard, Jon Shepard, Jill Hawkins, and Julie Gunter; 10 great-grandchildren: Peyton, Steven, Ethan, Holden, Ashton, Tristan, Colin, Cole, Zoey, and Mason; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6 at 8, Monday, Oct. 5 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Smith Rosemont Cemetery. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.