Walter J. Gray

Walter J. Gray, 83, of Monongahela, Pa. and formerly of the Wind Ridge, Pa. area died at 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2004 in the Jefferson Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. He was born November 30, 1920 in Richhill Township, Greene County, Pa. a son of Walter Thomas and Ethel Core Gillespie Gray and had resided in the Wind Ridge area prior to moving to Monongahela in 1959. Mr. Gray was a member of the South Wheeling Baptist Church at Ryerson and was a 1939 graduate of Richhill Township High School where he was a member of the school band. He was a veteran of World War II where he served as a Tech Sergeant with the U. S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator and tail gunner with the 94th Bomb Group(H) 410th Bomb Squadron in Germany. He was wounded in action and captured Jan. 11, 1944 and was held as P.O. W. in Barth, Germany until May 1, 1945. He was awarded a Purple Heart, E.A.M.E. Theater Ribbon with 2 battle stars and the air medal with 4 oak leaf clusters. Mr. Gray was employed as a welder in the cleaning plant for US Steel at Maple Creek Mine for approximately 25 years prior to retiring in 1984. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. On September 3, 1946 he married Betty Jean Myers Gray who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Penny L. Hoak of Pittsburgh; a granddaughter, Kimberly A. Hollern; a great granddaughter, Karlie P. Hollern; several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, Wilbur and Benjamin Franklin Gray. Mr. Gray was the last of his immediate family. Graveside military rites will accorded by the Carmichaels American Legion Post 400. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross.