Richard M. Gary

Virginia Beach – Richard Gary, 85, USN (Ret) passed away September 16, 2011. Richard was born in Richmond, VA and was the second son of Charles and Alice Gary. Richard retired from the Navy in 1971 after 30 years of service as a Chief Gunners Mate and was a WWII Veteran. Richard served on the USS Columbia CL-56 in WWII, USS Porter during the Korean War and the USS Barney DDG-6 in Vietnam. Richard was a FRA 50-plus year continuous member and a member of the Fleet Reserve Branch No. 99. Richard was in 10 major engagements in WWII, and a survivor of 3 Kamikazes. Richard was an active member of Nimmo United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice; a daughter, Rena Plaatsman and her husband Jim of Virginia Beach; 2 sons, Richard, Jr. and his wife Mary of Springfield, OR and George of Tulsa, OK; 4 grandchildren, Adam Hembree and Jared Plaatsman of Virginia Beach, Margie O’Connell, Richard, III and wife Maribeth of Springfield, OR; and 4 great-grandchildren, Erica, Derek, Caylin and Bryce of Springfield, OR. He is predeceased by his brother, Charles. Richard is also fondly remembered by his shipmates, close friends and extended family in China Grove, NC.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, burial to follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National WWII Memorial, Nimmo United Methodist Church or the Fleet Reserve Association. You may offer condolences to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.