Mr. Ray Gabbard

Ray Gabbard, 96, longtime Tacoma resident passed away on Nov. 10, 2014 in Everett, Wa. He was born in Evansville, Arkansas on Oct 7, 1918 to William and Mary (Cartwright) Gabbard. With his family he moved to Sumner where he graduated from Sumner High, and then PLU on a football scholarship. He served in the US Coast Guard before starting a career with Washington State as an Instructor/Supervisor for the Employment Security Office. He took time in 1964 to complete his college degree and also worked part time as a bartender at The Club Tavern in Sumner. A member of the Elks, he was an avid golfer, fisherman and was a football fan for life. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Marion; daughter, Debbie; sisters, Carmen, Lyda, Eunice and brother, Boy. He is survived by his son Gregory (Suzanne) Gabbard of Marysville; grandchildren, Katie Strobe, Julian (Meri) Gabbard, Lauren Previti, Rachel Previti, Nicole Richard and Miles Gabbard. Great grandchildren Julian, Haley, Leonidas and Zoey Gabbard, Jacob Previti, Mabel Strobe Robinson; and great niece Paula Hemphill. There will be a Celebration of His Life on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 1:00 at Powers Funeral Home in Sumner. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the "CURE" www.cureepilepsy.com. Dad (Pa) was a great individual, he will be loved and missed by many.