WILMINGTON — Alton Horne LeRay Sr., 98, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Commons at Brightmore, Wilmington.
Alton was born March 3, 1920, in Wilmington to Frank and Annie LeRay. On April 5, 1942, he married Bette Inez Mintz and together they had three children, Donna, Alton Jr. and Barry.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and reached the rank of chief machinist mate. After more than 20 years of active duty, he was honorably discharged and went on to work for an additional two decades as a civil servant at the Fort Fisher Air Force Base, working as an air conditioning and refrigeration specialist.
He was a generous, caring, loyal and honest man whose example and presence will be sorely missed.
Alton is survived by his children, Barry LeRay and Alton LeRay Jr.; daughter-in-law, Soula LeRay; grandchildren, Jonathan LeRay, Eric LeRay, A.J. LeRay and Peter LeRay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Annie; wife, Bette; and daughter, Donna.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, at Andrews Valley Chapel. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 7, at Masonboro Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors accorded. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Masonboro Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
