GRAY, WILFORD O. B.

Wilford “John” Gray, 92, of Paducah, Kentucky passed away at 11:22 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center of Lourdes Hospital. He was the retired owner and operator of a sheet metal business when he lived in California. He was a member of the Concord Christian Center. Wilford served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War as a Raider. During World War II he served in the South Pacific, Okinawa, Emirau Island, Guam and the Ryukyu Islands. His unit was one of the first to go into Japan. Wilford received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Award plus several other awards and medals.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Russell Gray of Paducah, Kentucky; sons, Jamie Jon Gray of Paducah, Kentucky, Danny Gene Gray of Cape Beach California and Gary Dwayne Gray; daughters, Susan Dalton of Paducah, Kentucky, Deanna Barnes of Santa Anna, California, Janice Simmons of Yorba Linda, California; sister, Janet Neihoff of Paducah, Kentucky; brother, Ed Eugene Gray of Paducah, Kentucky; nine grandchildren, Justin Gray, Lauren Gray, Garek Gray, Jennifer Gray, Michael Gray, Brent Barnes, Scott Barnes, Chad Simmons, Sarah Williams; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Margaret Johnston and Joyce Gray; brother, Eli Gray. His parents were Thurman Gray and Ola Balkey Gray.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with rev. Bobby Strong officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Everett-Gray Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.