Gordon Lynch "G.L." Humphrey Jr.'s Obituary
On Saturday, June 13, 2020, Gordon Lynch "G.L." Humphrey Jr., loving husband, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away at the age of 95.
G.L. Humphrey was born in the small town of Como, TX on September 3, 1924, to Gordon Lynch Humphrey, Sr. and Nora Humphrey.
G.L.was an extraordinary man driven by his faith, patriotism and family. In 1943, he enlisted in the Army. By 1944, as a part of WWII, he was sent to the Pacific for a campaign in the Palau Islands with the 321st Infantry Regiment of the 81st Infantry Division. On September 17, 1944, the 321st RCT landed on Anguar Island, and after three intense days of fighting, it was secured. They were then called upon for an even more difficult task, helping take control of the heavily fortified island of Peleliu. After many hard fought weeks, they successfully completed their task. G.L. received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the Phillipine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and three Over-seas Bars.
After the war, G.L. married Georgia Ann Petta, on June 1, 1946. Living in Dallas, they had three children: George, Ronnie and Patty. G.L. worked for Dallas Cigarette Service for about 40 years and retired in 1987 at the age of 63 in Richardson, TX where they had been residing since 1961. Georgia told G.L. he could not retire and sit around, so he took her advice and accepted a job as a crossing guard for the city of Richardson. Northrich Elementary School, just down the street from his home, is where he would see the children safely across the street for the next 25 years. Before long, G.L. was crossing the children of the kids he had helped pass along that street many years prior. Around 2010, the city and school honored him for his dedicated years of service. In 2103, G.L. decided to hang up his STOP sign and retire for good at the age of 88.
G.L. loved his family with his whole self, and over the years enjoyed watching his family grow as he became a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He led by example for his children, teaching them the importance of respect, hard work and faith. G.L. loved his bride of 74 years unconditionally. He and Georgia were inseparable, always holding hands with every step they took and setting the best example of what true love is all about. The two of them were often described as "the perfect couple" by anyone who had the honor of meeting them.
G.L. is survived by his wife, Georgia; his children: George Humphrey and wife, Paula of Richardson, TX, Ronnie Humphrey and wife, Karen of Dallas, TX and Patty Spurgin and husband, Alan of Lucas, TX; his grandchildren: Michael, Jason, Julia, Jessica and Sarah and 10 great grandchildren.
G.L. had a gentle soul and touched the lives of many.
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