Bob Wray

Colonel Bob Wray, 86, who witnessed history as a United States Marine during three wars, died June 29 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis of complications following knee replacement surgery. A native of Corvallis, Bob was raised in King City, California before joining the Marines in 1942. He was commissioned a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. By the end of WWII, he commanded VMF(N) 542, a Night Fighter Squadron of F6F-5N Hellcats, in Yokosuka, Japan. After WWII ended he became an infantry officer. His first infantry command was Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (C/1/1), a reserve company that came together in Camp Pendleton, California before deployment to the Korean War in 1951. The Marines of C/1/1 served with distinction in Korea and became an integral part of Marine history as one of the units that fought their way out of the Chosin Reservoir. He and the men of ‘Loping Charlie Company’ formed a bond that continues to this day through biannual reunions around the country. Bob retired from active service in 1973 after his last assignment as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Center at Oregon State University. He established residence in Corvallis with his wife, Joyce, where he pursued his love of the outdoors through fishing, hunting, boating, gold mining, and camping. He was an active member for years in the Rotary Club and The Retired Officers Club of Corvallis, and served as a municipal judge in Junction City. After losing Joyce in 2001, Bob moved into the Regent Retirement Residence, where he made many close friends. He was preceded in death by Joyce in 2001. Bob is survived by two sons: Pat and Debbie Wray of Corvallis and Tim and Maryann Wray of Vienna, Virginia. One daughter: Kamela and Scott Berglund of Corvallis as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with whom he had a very special relationship. Visitation hours are Monday, July 7th from 3:00pm till 5:00pm at McHenry Funeral Home and then again on Tuesday one hour prior to the funeral. Friends are invited to attend a funeral services scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 at McHenry Funeral Home in Corvallis. Internment with full military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Wednesday at 1 p.m. on July 9, 2008. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Benton County Foundation scholarship or charity of your choice in care of McHenry Funeral Home 206 NW 5th St. Corvallis, OR. 97330

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Bob Wray

September 21, 1921 - June 29, 2008