10/02/2025
Thomas Wayne Gray Sr., 69, of Mansfield, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025. He was born on August 7, 1956, in El Paso, Texas.
Thomas often described himself as a “jack of all trades and a master of none,” but those who knew him would say he mastered the art of living a life of service, love, and devotion. A skilled locksmith and VCR repairman, he was also a proud member of Coop Prairie Church, where he joyfully served wherever he was needed—cooking for the children on Wednesday nights, helping with audio and sound, and working in the Food Bank. He also catered many special events for friends and family. His famous peanut butter fudge and mini pumpkin pies became beloved holiday traditions.
He worked at Booneville High School for eight years as a study hall teacher, where his strict “no talking” policy was well known. Yet, behind his stern reputation, students trusted him deeply, often seeking his wisdom on life and guidance about military service. He also worked for many years at Booneville Walmart, where he met the love of his life, Sharon, beginning a marriage of three decades filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Family was at the center of Thomas’s life. He cherished camping trips with his children, road trips with Sharon to Cherokee Village to visit his brothers and sisters, and Friday night dinners with his wife and extended family. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, always ready with a camera to capture every moment. He enjoyed coin collecting, building models, watching old westerns, NASCAR, and COPS, and he adored his loyal dog, Biscuit, and cat, Ginger.
Thomas proudly served his country for 20 years and 20 days in the United States Navy, retiring as a Boatswain’s Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served aboard the USS Wichita and took part in the Vietnam War, Lebanon War, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including the Navy Achievement Medal, the Battle “E” Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Ribbon. He was recognized as both an Expert Pistol and Expert Marksman.
Above all, Thomas will be remembered as a man of faith, family, service, and strength. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his love, guidance, and unwavering devotion.
He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Wayne Gray Jr.; his parents, James and Mildred Gray; his brothers, Gary Gray, Bill Krepps, Ray Krepps, and Jim Krepps; and his sisters, Gail Butts, Beth Gray, and Diane Gray.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Coop Prairie Church in Mansfield, Arkansas, with burial to follow at Coop Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Roberts Memorial Chapel.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sharon Gray of the home; his children, Andy Gray (Kelli) of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Kevin Chambers (Lacy) of Valrico, Florida, Tricia Gray (Niklas) of Portland, Oregon, and Kimberly Boyd of Huntington, Arkansas; his brother, Jack Krepps of Batesville, Arkansas; and his many cherished grandchildren: Andrue, Reed, Kaia, Ragnar, Oliviannea (Dallas), Abbigale, Thomas, Re*****on, Brian (Jaclyn), Rachel (Josue), Caleb, Logan, Thomas III, Colton, Alexandria, and Helena. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will deeply miss him.
Pallbearers will be Thomas B. Boyd, Bob Krepps, Gary Gray Jr., Andrue Gray, Jordan Cobb, Brian Gray, Reed Gray, and Re*****on Boyd.
Honorary pallbearers include Edgar Holt, John Cobb, Robert Chambers, and Dallas Walker.
www.robertsfh.com
