Industrial Authority Presents Doc and Sarah Gray "Lifetime Achievement Award" At Annual Dinner12/7/2016
Darren Doyle, story and photo
Dale "Doc" and Sarah Gray were presented the Edmonson County Industrial Authority's Lifetime Achievement Award" last night during the organization's annual dinner held at Mammoth Cave Hotel. Doc Gray was also the keynote speaker who discussed his love for God, his wife Sarah, and the people of Edmonson County. Dr. Gray accepted the award on behalf of Mrs. Gray who was unable to attend due to illness. The award was presented as a 'thank you' for the Gray's lifetime of leadership and commitment to Edmonson County. The Grays moved into the Hill home at the site of Chalybeate Springs in 1958. Dr. Gray practiced chiropractics there until going back to school to become a teacher, where he was hired at ECHS in 1969 as an art instructor. He then served many years as the school's guidance counselor, years that he said "were the best years of my life." He gave several examples of helping young people through their problems, whether they were fights at school or using his own car to transport students to visit colleges or tech schools. Mrs. Sarah Gray, a community staple with the Bank of Edmonson County, worked for 50 years helping people with loans to purchase their first homes, cars, businesses, and farms. N.E. Reed, Industrial Authority member who introduced the award said, "There's probably not anyone here that either you, your parents, or grandparents haven't been affected in a positive way by Doc and Sarah." Dr. Gray, who helped start both the football and golf program at ECHS in 1970 said he was also thankful for all the small country churches that covered Edmonson County. "I go up and down the road and see them," he said. "I think to myself, hey, there's good people in there, and that's what makes Edmonson County great, it's the people." As Doc concluded his remarks, he was grateful for the award, but took no credit for himself. "I thank the Industrial Authority for this, but it's not people like me that make Edmonson County what it is today, it's people like you," he said as he pointed to the crowd. "You and your families have meant so much to me over the years," he said holding back tears. "It's not what I've done for you, you all don't realize what you've done for me. God Bless all of you."
Jessie Miller
12/7/2016 10:44:10 am
I was in the 8th grade when Doc Gray moved to Edmonson County (Chalybeate) before Sara came to join him. It's always seemed like he was part of our family. He loved just up the road from us and ate several meals with us before Sara joined him. Love him and Sara and have always had the utmost respect for them both. A great asset to our county. ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Buddy and Pat Marr
12/7/2016 05:00:12 pm
Doc has been a golf buddy for several years and Sara has been a friend since we each worked at different banks during the 80s---they are now our neighbors in Smiths Grove and we see them often as we visit their church and also see them at the local diner now and then .Doc and Sara are good neighbors and are well thought of in their new home community.
Terri Webb
12/7/2016 06:13:03 pm
I am so blessed to call Doc and Sara dear friends. They have been a continuous source of encouragement and love. Edmonson Countians have certainly benefited from their heartful love and generosity for many years. We are all richer for having known them. I love them so much!
Marshall Clark
12/8/2016 03:26:31 am
I came to Edmonson County High School in 1976 after teaching at other schools. Doc was the first to befriend me. We became close friends in part due to our common interest. I was a special educator and had my masters in counseling. We enjoyed many laughs together. Sara gave me a much need home mortgage after a bank in Bowling Green, where I lived reniged on a loan while I was building a home. These are two great folks. Comments are closed.
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