Eugene Grant Vail

Eugene Grant Vail, 91, passed away on June 29, 2011. Born on March 23, 1920 in Fairbury, IL; he was the son of the late Oscar Raymond and Gertrude Shipley Vail and brother to the late Melvin Vail and Edna Elliott.

Eugene served honorably in the US Army Air Force during World War II in North Africa, Tunisia, Naples-Foggie, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. A member of the 42nd Air Wing Group, 17th Bomb Group, he received the Bronze Star, as well as other citations.

After returning home, he attended the University of Illinois and earned his mechanical engineering degree in three years. His daughter Pat was born during that time. He spent many years in Johnson City, Tennessee as plant manager for Kennametal. After his first wife, Betty Gooch Vail died, he moved to Raleigh with Kennametal, where he met his second wife, Phyllis. They married in 1983.

Gene and Phyllis spent most of his retired years doing what he loved most…buying and selling antiques. They owned Classique Antiques and enjoyed doing shows up and down the coast. When age began to catch up with Gene, they retired and loved to reminisce about their adventures together.

Gene was a member of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the American Legion Post #1, Rex Wellness Center and the Gardeners of Wake County.

Known affectionately as “the Renaissance Man”, he was a man of many talents that he enjoyed sharing with his family. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Hockaday Vail; daughter: Patricia Northington and husband Dr. David Northington, of Austin, TX; grandchildren: Ryan Northington and wife Rebecca, of Haverford, PA and Kirstin Rhodes and husband Randall, of Austin, TX; great-grandchildren: Jack, Lachlan and Rives Northington and Jacob Faulkner and Kayleigh and Kaeden Rhodes; step-daughter: Linda Blackwell and husband David Blackwell, of Raleigh; step-grandchildren: Benjamin and Andrew Blackwell; nephew: Allan Vail and wife Susan, of Nibley, Utah; and nieces: Tammy Koch and husband David, of Heyworth, IL and Vicki Mauer and husband Doug, of Bloomington, IL.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Anant Soni, who not only was his doctor for many years but his friend. Also, a thank you to Paul Daly, his special friend who was always there for him.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 2 PM in the Mausoleum Chapel of Raleigh Memorial Park. Family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, one might consider contributing to The National World War II Museum – 945 Magazine Street – New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 528-1944

Condolences to the family thru www.MitchellatRMP.com