Gordon J. Bray, a Siskiyou County native, died on Dec. 9, 2007
at Madrone Hospice House.

Gordon was born on March 28, 1921, in Yreka to Walter and Lola Bray. Raised in Hornbrook, he was the eighth of 11 children born to the Bray family.

Gordon attended Hornbrook Elementary School and graduated from Yreka High School in 1939, where he lettered in track and held a school record in high-hurdles until it was broken in the 1960's by one of his nephews.

In January 1942, Gordon enlisted in the United States Army and served as a sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division, 501 Co. H
He parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day, helped liberate Holland and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

On March 10, 1951, Gordon wed Nancy Joan Wells in Los Angeles.
They made their home in Yreka for over 56 years where they raised their three children and watched their seven grandchildren grow to adulthood.

Gordon was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed the out-of-doors and camping. He was well known for his beautiful vegetable garden on Yreka Ager Road and was a beekeeper. He was a member of the Yreka Volunteer Fire Department for more than 35 years. He was the manager of Cooley and Pollard Wholesale and was known throughout Siskiyou County as the "Candy and Tobacco Man."

His greatest source of joy came from his family, which included not only his wife, children and grandchildren, but all his siblings, nieces, and nephews and their children.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lola; his siblings, Grace Cummins, Jennie Clawson, Verna Tyrer, Rose Kraft, Walt Bray, George Bray, Edith Balfrey, Gene Bray, Donald Bray and Betty Bray.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, June Alice Madden (husband Don), Gordon John Bray (wife Susan) and JoAnn Eastlick (husband Randy); seven beloved grandchildren, Christopher Madden, Stephanie Cassson (husband Dave), Ryan Bray (wife Shannon), Caleb Bray (Jamie Stacey), Janet Eastlick, Anne Eastlick and Mitch Eastlick; four great-grandchildren, Drake and Courtney Casson, Rylee Bray and Kaydence Madden; sister-in-law, Patty Bray; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Girdner's Funeral Chapel on Friday, Dec. 14.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle,Yreka,Calif.,960097

Obituary was printed in Siskiyou Daily News