Richard Gerald Gray

Richard Gerald Gray was born in Rockport, Illinois, on January 25, 1919, to William D. and Emma Byxbee Gray. In 1941, at the onset of the U.S. involvement in World War II, he began working at the Packard factory in Detroit producing Packard Merlin fighter aircraft engines. While in Detroit he met his future wife, Eloise, who had also come to Detroit to help with the war effort. Shortly after their marriage in 1942, Richard enlisted in the Army and was shipped off to Europe where he fought in several campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he returned to civilian life for a few years only to return to military service with the newly formed U.S. Air Force. He retired a Senior Master Sergeant from the Air Force in 1973 and settled in Blairsville, Georgia, his wife's childhood home. He was a member of the Blairsville VFW #7394 and acted as Chaplain for his post. He loved life, his family and friends and will be truly missed.
Richard is survived by Eloise, his wife of 66 years; three daughters, Jerry Sue Bowersox, Anna Lee Huffman and Linda G. McCants; three sons-in-law, Terry L. Bowersox, Wayne L. Huffman and James McCants; four grandchildren: David S. Bowersox, Dianna L. Dell, Gary R. Huffman and Gregory T. Huffman; nine great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Keim, of Kinderhook, Illinois and several nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer's Association.
Visitation will be held in the Rock Chapel of First Baptist Church of Blairsville on Thursday, January 8, 2009, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the service following immediately after. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Danny Parris, with burial in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery, with North Georgia Honor Guard conferring Military Honors.
Cochran Funeral Home - Blairsville Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.