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Submitted: 7/12/12 • Approved: 7/12/12 • Last Updated: 10/6/12 • R727687-G0-S3
August 27, 1957 - August 31, 2010
Ft Smith EMS Paramedic - Paramedic Educator - Flight Paramdeic
Obituary Gayla Lynn Gregory, 53, of Clarksville formerly of Alma took her final flight into the arms of the Lord on August 31, 2010. The medical helicopter she was in was en route to pick up a patient crashed near Scotland in Van Buren County, killing all three crew members aboard.
Gayla was born on August 27, 1957 in Alma, Arkansas.
Gayla was a 1975 graduate of Alma High School, and a 1977 graduate of Westark Community College with an associate degree in Applied Science. She began her career at Sparks Regional Medical Center May 15, 1977, she also became an instructor for the EMT/Paramedic program at Westark Community College, she then signed on with Air-Evac as a flight medic. She was a member of Goddard Methodist Church and she was currently attending Hedgeway Church in Clarksville. Her joy and passion for living life as well as saving lives was evident. Her exuberant humor, compassion, and tenacity were apparent to anyone's whose life she touched. Her legacy of graciousness and devotion will continue for many years to come. She will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James R. and Doris Gregory; one sister, Barbara Lee McRae, and a nephew, Dane Gregory.
She is survived by the son of her heart, Tanner Mathis of Fort Smith, AR; her companion, Deanna Yates of the home; three sisters, Inez Nance of Alma, AR, Donita Burnett and her husband Hank of Mulberry, AR, and Tammy Woodard of Clarksville, AR; one brother, Robert Gregory of Kibler, AR; 10 nieces and nephews; 7 great nieces and great nephews; as well as Deanna's family in the Coal Hill area.
Funeral service were 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith with burial at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Pallbearers were Lyndle Thacker, Allyson Gentry, Tom Gentry, Matthew Callahan, Rick Rauser, and Randy Cockrum.
Honorary pallbearers were Paul Gregory, Timmy Gregory, Nathan Yates, Brent Yates, Shyloh Yates, Dee Yates, Ray Green, B.J. Johnson, Dorothea McKinney, Hank Burnett, Jimmy Acklin, Air Evac 22 Paris, AR, Air Evac 73 DeQueen, AR, Air Evac 4 Springdale, AR, and Air Evac 30 Vilonia, AR.
Contributed on 7/12/12 by mcclella.g
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Record #: 727687