Raymond David Ghrist

Raymond David Ghrist, 95, of Greensburg, died Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Caring Heights Community Care & Rehabilitation Center, Coraopolis, PA. He was born August 21, 1929, in Greensburg, a son of the late George Edward Ghrist and Ethel H. Watson Ghrist. Ray was drafted immediately upon high school graduation into the US Army and sent to Korea where he attained the rank of Corporal. He was wounded while performing guard/reconnaissance duties and awarded the military’s highest honor, The Purple Heart. He was a member of Greensburg Church of the Brethren and proud to serve as church deacon for many years. Anyone who knew Ray knew that he loved to sing, especially Christian and country music, singing bass in the church choir and men’s quartet. No matter where he was, he could be heard humming and whistling a few bars. As an avid Steelers and Pirates fan, he could often be heard offering advice to their coaches, through the TV. He worked for over 30 years for the US Postal Service, retiring in 1986, as the Postmaster of Apollo, PA. Ray was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lorian Roehrig Ghrist; an infant son and his son, Keith R. Ghrist; and his sister, Dorothy Cunkleman. Ray is survived by his children, Karen L. Ghrist of Coraopolis, PA, Gary E. Ghrist of Portsmouth, VA and Cheryl L. Ghrist of Houston TX; daughter-in-law, Diana L Ghrist of Crabtree, PA; his grandchildren, Kristina L. McGregor of Greensburg, PA, Samantha Bolin (Bryce) of Virginia Beach, VA Adam Ghrist (Victoria) of Charleston, SC; his great grandsons, Jay McGregor and Wesley Bolin; also, several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received on Sunday, December 29, from 12 noon to 2 pm at Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, 524 North Main Street, Greensburg. Additional visitation will be held on Monday, December 30, from 10:30 until the hour of Raymond’s funeral service at 11 am in Greensburg Church of the Brethren, 554 Stanton Street, Greensburg, PA 15601. Private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greensburg Church of the Brethren at the above address.