Obituary 

Doris Alewine Gray passed away August 23, 2021 at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville, Arkansas. She was born in Atkins, Arkansas on February 8, 1928 to Reece Lafayette Alewine and Leah Emmert Alewine. She is survived by her daughter Terry Murray (David), son David Rackley (Rhonda Shook), grandson Logan Rackley, stepdaughter Joanna Lange (Danny), stepson Bob Gray (Lynn Addison), and step-granchildren Alexz Currie, Tyler Clayborn, Scott Lange, Audrey Yorke, and Vivian Yorke. She was predeceased by her second husband Joe R. Gray.

She graduated from Atkins High School where she was inexplicably on the girls’ basketball team and in the band. She laughingly said she lacked talent in both. More understandably, she was Homecoming Queen in 1944. She moved to Anchorage, Alaska with her young family in the early 50’s where she worked as the Assistant to the Alaska Chief of the Federal Aviation Administration. She loved skiing and other winter sports. In 1964, she survived the 9.3 magnitude Alaska Earthquake and recognized the anniversary on March 27 every year thereafter. In the 1970’s, Doris and her first husband moved back to Atkins. A few years later, she and her sister, Sue Blevins, opened The Wardrobe, a dress shop in Dardanelle. The sisters had the time of their lives with the shop and also travelled together to Mexico, England, France, and Italy. In the early 1980’s, Doris married Joe R. Gray of Dardanelle and began a life of travel and long-distance bicycling. They biked across diverse landscapes in Iowa, Vermont, the Natchez Trace, and the Outer Banks, to name a few. She was most proud of peddling up Pikes Peak, and of receiving a speeding ticket as she rode through downtown Denver. For many years, she was part of a small bridge club of dear friends who played once a week and became an even more important part of her life after Joe’s death. Her church family at First United Methodist was very important to her and she formed lasting friendships there, as well as nourishment for her spirit. She was the best mother to her children, and later stepchildren, providing unconditional love and gentle guidance rather than criticism. She was interested in the world, was tolerant of all beliefs and cultures, and was a friend to all. Private arrangements were made under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service. A graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church 202 North Third Street, Dardanelle, AR 72834.