Howard Claude LeMay Jr.

Howard C. LeMay, 87, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020 after a four month illness. He was born in Hollywood, Calif. and grew up in Burbank, Calif. where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Ginny (Virginia Dahl). After graduating from high school in 1952 he joined the Navy and served aboard two aircraft carriers: the USS Valley Forge and the USS FDR during the Korean war. In 1954 he had the distinction of crossing the equator and rounding Cape Horn as the USS FDR was to large to transit the Panama Canal. Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1956, he went to work for Vons Grocery Markets in San Fernando Valley and Santa Barbara, Calif. In 1979 he was asked to open the first Vons market in Las Vegas. He retired from Vons in 1987 and earned many awards during his career with Vons. Following his retirement from Vons he owned a Baskin and Robbins Ice Cream store for four years and then went to work for Southern Wine and Spirits where he managed the merchandising warehouse for 18 years. Howard and Ginny joined Community Lutheran Church in 1982 and Howard was an active member serving as Head Usher for eight years and participating in many church events. In 2001 they moved to Sun City MacDonald Ranch where Howard joined the Community On Patrol and served on the COP's Board of Directors for many years and drove a weekly patrol in the community for 19 years. Howard enjoyed water skiing and camping and he was an avid NASCAR and Dallas Cowboy fan. Howard and Ginny were fortunate to celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary this past June 30th, a celebration of many happy years together. Howard was preceded in death by his son, Richard, his mother and father, Hazle and Howard LeMay, Sr, and his sister Linda Seder. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginny, daughter, Lori Vay and her husband, Rick, and daughter, Lesa Perez, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to many and a very patriotic and proud American. Memorial services are pending.