Bige Edward Wray

Bige Edward Wray, age 72 of Searcy, returned to the Father Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. He was born Jan. 22, 1946 in Harrison, Arkansas to Lex Elmo and Carrie Eunice Wray. He was an outdoorsman and loved all things in nature and shared that enthusiasm with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lisa McCollum Wray; and his greatest accomplishments, his children, Stacy Wray McKean and husband Brian of Bella Vista; Julia Elizabeth Wray of Springdale; and Kyle McCollum Wray and wife Audrey of Searcy; grandchildren Nate and Kellen Edwards and Wyeth McKean, Krews, Kole and Arabella Wray; Brother John Wray and Jeannie of Harrison; Sisters-in-love Allision and husband Gene of Forrest City, Bonner McCollum of Conway, Libby Thalheimer and husband Lee of Little Rock, and brother-in-love Rick McCollum and wife Maureen of Forrest City; along with a multitude of adoring nieces and nephews. The legendary track star began his career on the Harrison High School track team where he ran undefeated throughout his high school career and through his freshman season at the U of A. While there, he led the Razorback track team to numerous Southwest Conference championships while setting the collegiate record of 1:49.3 in the 880-yard dash his senior year. He was a member of the Razorback cross county championship team as well. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Harrison Goblin Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and into the Arkansas Track Hall of Fame in 2005. After his retirement, he devoted his life to the many ministries at the First United Methodist Church in Searcy, not limited to The Lunch Bunch Feeding Ministry and mentoring many young children by shining his light full of warm hugs and words of encouragement in their afterschool programs. He was a bright shining star in this world and his star shines brighter because of his legacy of love and light. Shine on Biggie. The family will host a visitation for friends in their home on Wednesday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. There will also be a visitation on Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Searcy. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm at the church.

Bige Edward Wray

January 22, 1946 - December 23, 2018