The life of a carnie set up his love of traveling. This led to a long and proud career as a United States Navy pilot. He flew many different types of aircraft including fighter jets, helicopters and multi-engine planes. An around the world naval cruise was enjoyed as well as a tour of duty in Iceland. Even after retirement from the USN, he and Betty continued to travel with time spent in Kermanshah, Iran working for Bell Helicopters. Richard graduated from Parsons High School in Parsons, KS and also attended Parsons Junior College before beginning his naval career.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Betty Joseph Gray and daughter Susan Gray.
Surviving family include daughter Jeanette Gray Schultz (Harold Schultz); grandson Joseph Fulton; son Ralph Gray; granddaughter Rinda Ann Gray; daughter Rinda Gray-Astley (Kevin Astley); grandson Derek Astley; granddaughter Erin Fromm (Jeremy Fromm); great grandson Silas Fromm and great granddaughter Molly Fromm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NAS Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum or M.D. Anderson Hospital of Houston, Texas.
