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, AR, 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, AR 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
