John Allen Cordray

John Allen Cordray, 97, of James Island, SC, beloved widower of Minnie Plummer Cordray left us for his heavenly life on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

John, known as Johnny by his family, was born in Charleston and grew up downtown attending St. Patrick’s Catholic School and graduated from Murray Vocational High School. Johnny was inducted into the Navy during WWII serving on the destroyer USS Bunch APD 79 and was engaged in the Pacific Theatre of Operation that included the invasion of Okinawa, the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the liberation of the Philippines. He received five campaign medals prior to his discharge. Once home from serving our country Johnny attended Clemson, returned to Charleston and found the love of his life and was married in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston.

Johnny taught architectural and mechanical drafting at Murray Vocational High School for seven years before his commencing his long career at the Charleston Air Force Base as facilities engineer until retirement in the late ‘90s.

He enjoyed woodworking that included the design and construction of a mahogany cabin cruiser that participated in the March of Dimes benefit in Colonial Lake in the early ‘60s. Johnny was also the co-founder of the former West Ashley Outboard Motor Club.

Never a stranger…loved by all…whether he was at McDonalds where he often ate his breakfast, he could always make you laugh…

Johnny is survived by his children, John Allen Cordray, Jr. (Joy) and Debby Bryant (Tom); four Grandchildren: Johnny Cordray, IV (Shelby), Joanna Cordray, Abbie O’Toole (Brett) and Ashley Auerbach (Steven) and six great grand’s: Emily, Hayley, Connor, Callie, Sydney and Johnny V “Grey”; one sister, Margaret Davis of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Theresa Griser and father, John Allen Cordray; his sisters, Theresa Preston and Bernice Castillo.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Nativity Catholic Church.  The Rite of Committal will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Church of the Nativity Building Fund, 1061 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 and/or Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412.