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Jay Winston DeGraw




Jay Winston DeGraw

Jay Winston DeGraw

Jay Winston DeGraw, On 25 Mar 2018, Master Gunnery Sergeant Jay Winston DeGraw received orders from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief for his final tour of duty.  He passed away peacefully at age 93.

A citizen of Navarre, Florida since 1980, he was born September 21, 1924, in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey to William Standen DeGraw and Frances Earnestine Bowcock DeGraw.

He is survived by his son, Michael Andrew DeGraw and wife Tollie Moore DeGraw of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and daughters Linda Elaine and husband Daniel M. Vinson of Loveland, Ohio, Judy Irene Bennett of Plano, Texas and Penelope Rae DeGraw of McAlpin, Florida.  Surviving grandchildren are Andy DeGraw and wife Kristi of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Jennifer DeGraw Luttrell of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Monica DeGraw Sutton of Sparks, Nevada, Daniel M. Vinson, Jr. of Key Largo, Florida, Jay Vinson of Loveland, Ohio, Donald Vinson of Key Largo, Florida, Darren Vinson and wife Jessica of Newport, Kentucky, Christine Bertram of Maryland, Gina Dickinson of Honolulu, Hawaii, Jamie Onekea of Plano, Texas, Jeremy Onekea of Plano, Texas, 18 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and devoted companion, Dorothy Grimes of Navarre.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Jean Reiff DeGraw, his sister, Jeanne Barbara Hurwitz, and grandson Tayne Onekea.

MGySgt DeGraw was a 27 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served in World War II, Korea, and two tours in Southeast Asia, earning 17 ribbons and the Bronze Star with Valor.

He was a Master Mason with Yukosuka Japan Lodge #20 for over 50 years and was a member of the Aloha Shriners in Honolulu, Hawaii.  He was an active member of Marine Corps League Detachment 915 Emerald Coast and Marines of Long Ago.

Well-known around Navarre for his sense of humor and entertaining stories, he was a larger-than-life example of Marine Corps Spirit.  Affectionately referred to as “The Gunny,” he donated numerous hours to the community, working with various organizations such as the Red Cross, Hospice, and Toys for Tots.  He volunteered at the Hurlburt Pharmacy pick-up window for over 22 years. He attended St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Navarre.

As a young Marine, The Gunny learned a lot about the true meaning of their motto, “Semper Fidelis.”  The words are Latin for “ever faithful,” and that is exactly what it means. Not sometimes, not maybe, but always and absolute.  It is a code of honor and it means upholding an oath and keeping one’s word, no matter what, forever. It is how he lived his life, every single day, and he expects nothing less of every future generation.  Semper Fi.

 

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