Mr. Henry “Perk” Umphrey: Obituary

Mr. Henry “Perk” Umphrey, age 91 of Ellijay, Ga, died Sunday February 15, 2015.
Mr. Umphrey was born April 13, 1923 in Paudling County, Ga the son of the late Clarence and Annie Sewell Umphrey. He was a veteran serving with US Army, entering January 15, 1943 for basic training in chemical warfare. After basic he was sent to Norfolk, VA where he sailed to North Africa in May 1943, arriving in Casablanca in early June. He was assigned to 1St Infantry Division and caught up with the G Co 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment in Sicily. After the Sicily Campaign the Division sailed to England to prepare for the D Day Invasion, they landed on Omaha Beach June 6, 1944 and participated in every major engagement the Division was involved in through Europe, and was in Czechoslovakia when the war ended. He was then sent back to the US as a High Pointer and discharged in 1945. That same day he re-enlisted in the United States Army Reserve where he served until his discharge on May 1, 1983. He was awarded the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, European Medal with six battle stars, 1 Arrow Head and was First Sgt. of G Company when the war ended. He was CWO-2 at the time of his retirement from the USAR. He also retired from the General Electric Company after 39 years’ service as a Regional Manager and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

He was preceded death by his parents and sister; Jerry Rutherford.

Survivors include his loving wife of 24 years, Pat Gravitt Umphrey, daughter and son in law: Linda and Herbert Groover, Winston-Salem, NC, grandchildren; Stacey and Chad Hill, Shelly and Mark Caries, Stephanie and Tim Snow. Several great grandchildren, a nephew Bob Rutherford, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Billy and Ann Gravitt, Sharpsburg, GA also survive.
The family would like express their thanks to Hospice Advantage and most of all to Rose Chastain and Carolyn Parks the most precious caregivers ever.

Funeral services will be held Friday February 20, 2015 at 10:00am at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Rossier and Rev. Rubin Smith officiating. Interment will follow at 12 Noon in Georgia National cemetery with full military honors by the US Army.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Hospice Advantage 583 Highland Crossing, Ellijay, GA 30540 in memory of Mr. Umphrey.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 until 8pm at the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.