Boldon RAF veteran with no family left set for full military funeral thanks to local community
A RAF veteran is set to have a full military funeral thanks to the local community.
John Thomas Gray, an ex Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran from Boldon Colliery, sadly passed at the age of 91 on August 3.
Following his passing, Richard Dalton Funerals, on Whiteleas Way, in South Shields, has revealed that John has no family or friends to attend his funeral.
As a result, the funeral director issued a heartfelt appeal to the local community in South Tyneside for riders, veteran riders, and anyone else who wants to pay their respects to the RAF veteran and escort John on his last ride.
Thanks to the power of social media, John is now set to have a full military service at his funeral following support from the local community online.
The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Newcastle has confirmed that RAF Boulmer and Leeming will be sending personnel, with local RAFA branches also attending the service.
RAFA Newcastle’s treasurer Bill Houston has also confirmed that the Royal British Legion will be attending with standards and the Veteran’s Bikers Association will hold a guard of honour.
There will also be a bugler and piper in attendance at John’s funeral.
The initial social media statement from Richard Dalton Funerals said: “A heartfelt appeal has been made for members of the public to attend the funeral of a 91-year-old RAF veteran who has no surviving family.
“John Thomas Gray, originally from Boldon Colliery, passed away on August 3. With no relatives left behind, only a few photographs were found among his possessions.
“Mr Gray’s funeral will take place at 9am on Wednesday, September 3, at South Shields Crematorium.
“Friends and organisers have described the situation as deeply sad and are calling on the community to come together to ensure Mr Gray does not make his final journey alone.
“Richard Dalton Funerals and organiser Tracy Curren are appealing for anyone who can act as a standard bearer, particularly from the RAF, or a bugler to get in touch.
“Ex-service personnel and members of the public are also warmly invited to attend and pay their respects.
“John Thomas Gray, you may stand down - and thank you for your service to our country.”
Riders are asked to meet up at Richard Dalton Funerals, on Horsley Hill Square, from 8am on Wednesday, September 3, and be ready to leave when the hearse carrying John’s body is outside.
The escort will take John to South Shields Crematorium, on John Reid Road, for the service.
Full details for the service can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/769964152449552.
The Shields Gazette understands that the families of other veterans have been reaching out for support to remember their own loved ones following posts about John on social media.
Anyone who requires assistance can reach out to [email protected] and RAFA volunteers will do their best to help.