RICHARD GRAMLING
COCOA
Died: Jul 05,
2004
| RICHARD
GRAMLING COCOA Richard Mortimer Dick Gramling died Monday, July 5, 2004, after a brief illness. He died peacefully at home and was surrounded by his family. He was 83. Born on May 30, 1921 in Stanton, Texas to Viola and Benjamin Gramling, he graduated from high school at the age of 16 and left home to work for the CCC. Upon turning 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he rode with the 7th Calvary and participated in the Final Dismount of that unit. At the outbreak of World War II he applied for and was accepted to flight school. He flew Mitchell B-25 bombers in China with Jimmy Doolittles Flying Tigers. Major General Claire Chennault, upon his triumphal return to the USA after the war, requested that Dick be a member of his honor guard. He was awarded the Soldiers Medal, the Air Medal and the Silver Star for valor in combat. After World War II Dick attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia where he met Sarah, his wife of 59 years, who preceded him in death. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering he started an electrical contracting firm in Columbia. In 1950 he brought his family to Cocoa Beach and was one of the original pioneers at the Space Center. Dick eventually became the Chief of Ground Support at KSC and was second in command of the entire space center. Upon his retirement he was the most tenured person in the Space Program. Dick loved Miami Dolphins football and car racing. His favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon was to watch football on one TV and a car race on the other. He loved to build and fix things and always had a project. The more difficult or complex the task, the better. Dick had a straight forwardness about him that earned him the respect and friendship of those who knew him. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Queen Rouse of Columbia, S.C., Margaret Gramling of Montreat, N.C.; and his son, Richard Gramling of Rockledge, Fla. He had five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Dicks remains will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of Dicks life will be held at Rockledge Presby terian Church on Sunday, July 11, 2004 at 6 p.m. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Viera is in charge of arrangements. |