Ellis LeRoy Gragg
1927-2017
Ellis LeRoy Gragg, born October 30, 1927 in Burkburnett, Texas to Robert Lenord and Elizabeth Lou Gragg, passed away peacefully at home in Edmond, OK on August 26, 2017. He was married in 1945 to Joella Morgan Gragg until her death in 1996. Ellis was married to Beatrice Bookout from March 1998 until he was called home by Jesus.
Ellis lived a full life and at different stages was a farmer, rancher, rodeo performer, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse breeder, trainer, showman, and entrepreneur. He served in several horse associations including the American Quarter Horse Association, the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association, leading that organization as president for several years. He also served his community as an Edmond School Board member. He was inducted into the OQHA Hall of Fame in 2011 and was honored in 2013 as a “Legend of American Quarter Horse Racing.”
But far more important to Ellis than his business successes and awards was his family. There has never been a better husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a fun GGPap (great grandpappy) who always shared his time and treasures with all. Daily he praised our Lord for each of his blessings – his family members and friends, mentioning each by name.
Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Lenord and Elizabeth Gragg, his older sisters Opal Sykes and Wanda Cain, and his first wife Joella.
He is survived by his wife Beatrice of Edmond; brothers C. Hubert Gragg of New Castle, Robert Gragg of Wichita Falls, TX, Melvin Gragg of Edmond; children Sherri Woodham and husband Charles, Sandy Gullett and husband John, Dee Gragg DVM and wife Jan all of Edmond; stepchildren Roy Bookout and wife Anita, Phil Bookout, Randy Bookout all of Texas and Sheryl Bookout of Tulsa; grandchildren Shannon Ford, Cody Gullett and wife Amy, Darci Oplotnik and husband Greg, Jill Olson and husband Bror, Deedra Delaney and husband Dustin, Zac Gragg and wife Amanda all of Edmond, Cory Woodham and wife Monica of Jenks; and 13 great grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by his family and many friends.
Very special thanks to Centennial Hospice for the loving attention and efficient care they gave to our GGPap.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or to The Anna’s House Foundation (annashousefoundation.org), 3001 East Memorial Rd, Suite 200, Edmond, OK 73013.
A viewing will be held at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond Tuesday August 29 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Ellis’s life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday August 30, 2017 at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, 1200 W. I-35 Frontage Road, Edmond, OK with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK.
Wow, Ellis was quite an accomplished man. Dee’s resemblance to him is remarkable too. Hopefully his passing was peaceful. My condolences to the family.