Remembering Our Fallen Brothers With Great Honor and Respect

Warren L. "Von" Crain

Start Date of Serviece: 1 March 1981
End Date of Serviece: 1 September 1987
Date of Death: 21 April 2018

JCU Plank Holder March 1981- September 1987

Warren L. Crain AUTRYVILLE – Ret. MSgt Mr. Warren “Von” Lavon Crain, 71 passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018 surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm Friday, April 27, 2018 at Long Branch Baptist Church, 2868 Minnie Hall Road, Autryville, officiating will be Pastor Richard Spell. Burial with full military honors will follow at Maxwell Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday at the church from 1:00pm to 2:30pm prior to the service. Von was retired from the United States Air Force with 20 years of service, was in Information Technology with Civil Service for 26 years, was a member of Long Branch Baptist Church and was also a member of The Good Old Boys Hunting Club. Von loved hunting and fishing, but most of all he was a “family man” who loved spending time with all of his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Crain of the home; daughters, Susan Hutchings & husband, Brett of Germany and Karen Norris & husband, Phillip of Eastover; grandchildren, Samantha McBride & husband, James, Timothy Hutchings & fiance’, Kilee Driggers and Kaitlyn Norris; great grandchildren, Kadence and Kali; and sister-in-law, Chandra Crain of Slidell, LA. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to any or all of the following charities, as they were all near and dear to Von’s heart because of past family losses; American Diabetes Association, 2418 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, Alzheimer’s Foundation, 4600 Park Rd; Ste 250, Charlotte, NC 28209; or to the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park; Ste 10, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and support given to them during this time, and for your continued prayers. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC 28391.

Brian J. Graniero

Start Date of Serviece: 1 September 2011
End Date of Serviece: 1 June 2014
Date of Death: 10 August 2017

JCU Member September 2011-June 2014

Brian Joseph “Joe” Graniero (CWO5 USMC Ret), 58, of Jacksonville passed away August 10, 2017 surrounded by family following a short battle with lung cancer.
Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jan, and his four children, Scott and wife Mimi of Jacksonville, Heather Stephens and husband Aaron of Jacksonville, Andrew and wife Blaire of Columbia, SC, and Emily Petersohn and husband Corey of Raleigh. He also leaves behind his beloved “minions”, grandchildren Collin and Luke Graniero, Kylie and Mackenzie Stephens, Lillian Graniero, and Charlotte Petersohn.
Originally from Chicago, he was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Graniero. He is survived by four sisters, Linda, Sheila, Maureen, and Kati, and brother Kevin. As a lifelong Cubs fan, his dream to witness the Cubs win a World Series was finally fulfilled. Go Cubbies!
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Graniero retired from the Marine Corps in 2009 after serving 34 years as a Marine Communicator. In his retirement, he enjoyed working on antique radios, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. In addition, he continued to serve the military community through federal service.
The family will receive visitors at Jones Funeral Home on Monday, August 14th from 6 – 8 pm. The funeral will be held Tuesday, Aug.15 at 9 am at Jones Funeral Home, followed by a burial at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Visitors are welcomed to join the family afterwards at Infant of Prague Parish Hall for light refreshments to celebrate Joe’s life.
Donations can be made to the American Lung Association or to Infant of Prague’s Rebuilding God’s House fund.

Claude M. Meadows

Start Date of Serviece: 1 April 1981
End Date of Serviece: 1 June 1984
Date of Death: 13 December 2016

JCU Plank Holder April 1981- June 1984

October 5, 1946 ~ December 13, 2016 (age 70) Mack Meadows, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016.
Mack was born and raised in Nashville, Tenn. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and served in Vietnam. In 1984, he became one of the original members of the Joint Communications Unit at Ft. Bragg. He retired honorably in 1988 after 22 years of service in the Air Force. He then worked at BAE Systems for about 10 years.
Mack loved to tinker in his garage. He enjoyed woodworking and made many wooden toys that he often gave to family and friends. One of his passions was restoring a 1927 Ford Roadster, which he completed this summer. Mack and his car were featured in Outreach NC magazine where he was described as “one of those people who can fix just about anything…he had a doctorate in common sense and a knack for figuring things out.”
Mack was an avid hunter. He and his grandson Jacob spent many weekends at his hunting camp in South Carolina.
He was a good friend and neighbor, and would go out of his way to help anyone. The world was a better place with him in it.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Meadows of the home; one daughter, Susan Franklin and husband, Matthew of Hope Mills; son, Mack Meadows, Jr. and wife, Cassandra of Key Largo, Fla.; one brother, Wayne Meadows and wife, Joyce of Nashville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Jacob Cherney of Hope Mills, Taylor Meadows and Austin Meadows, both of Key Largo; many cousins and numerous friends.
A funeral service will be held at 3 pm Saturday, December 17, 2016 in Rogers and Breece Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Archie Barringer officiating. Burial will follow in Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:45 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
Claude M. Meadows Tribute Video (coming soon)

Erich K. Kuehnel

Start Date of Serviece: 1 May 1984
End Date of Serviece: 1 February 1993
Date of Death: 3 March 2015

JCU Member May 1984- February 1993

It is with much sadness that I must let you all know, My Brother Erich Kuehnel packed his chute and slipped the surly bonds of earth, and is dancing the skies on laughter’s-silvered wings. He left us yesterday after incurring a ruptured brain aneurysm while riding his Harley , causing extensive internal trauma on September 9th. He peacefully slipped away Saturday, October 3 surrounded by Family and Dear Close Friends….. Generous with his Friendship to a fault and Always bestowing upon us his rare sense of Humor ….a Good Dad, Granddad ,Brother and True Friend . He will be Dearly Missed… Ve Con Dios My Brother, and know You will be always be Loved and Remembered Fondly…….. 9-23-1956?10-3-2015……..with love also from Kurt Kuehnel

John G. Young

Start Date of Serviece: 1 August 1995
End Date of Serviece: 1 September 2000
Date of Death: 28 September 2015

JCU Member August 1995- September 2000

July 12 1971 – Sept 28, 2015 John Gerald Young, 44, of Madison Al. is survived by his wife Michelle and daughter Alyssa of Colorado Springs, parents Dennis and Beverly of Athens, brother Alex of Toney, sister Allyson Young and brother in-law Jeff Scardine of Idaho and California. He is preceded in death by his mother Donna Mae Young. John graduated from Sparkman High and was a 10-year veteran who traveled the world with the U.S. Navy. He was employed by Wyle of Huntsville. John was very involved in CASA, HATS grants and CAS Cares. John was active in the Von Braun Astronomical Society and loved astronomy, star gazing and drag racing. But most of all he loved his family. John was a loving and caring father, son, brother and friend. He was generous, thoughtful and always encouraged others to be the best they could be. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. An informal memorial service will be held at the VBAS Planetarium on Monte Sano Mountain on Sept. 10 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to NAMI Huntsville 701 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, Al 35801.

Joseph H. King

Start Date of Serviece: 1 September 1994
End Date of Serviece: 1 September 2001
Date of Death: 26 September 2015

JCU Member September 1994- August 2001

KING, SGM Joseph H. “Joe”, (US Army-Retired), 48, of Dover, FL, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Denise Holland King; son, Christopher King; parents, Gibby King, Jr. and Betty King; brothers, Richard Allen King and Mark Andrew King and sisters, Mary King Peake and Connie Stidham. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 1, 2015, at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 33578, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to services. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at 12:30 P.M. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, for the children. Please sign guestbook at SouthernFuneralCare.com.

Dirk T. Shelton

Start Date of Serviece: 1 June 2009
End Date of Serviece: 1 July 2014
Date of Death: 14 July 2014

JCU Member June 2009- July 2014

Dirk Thomas Shelton, 29, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Corbin, KY, passed away July 14, 2014. Born June 10, 1985, in Corbin, KY, he was the son of Tom and Jenny Shelton who survive.
A 2004 graduate of Corbin High School, he entered the United States Air Force in 2005 proudly serving his country in combat tours and numerous missions overseas, including six deployments (four to Afghanistan, and one each to Somalia and Kuwait). Sgt. Shelton’s heroism, service, and contribution earned him the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Achievement Medal (2nd OLC), and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Personal hobbies included working on his truck and bike and building various things.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Jim and Betty Shelton and by two childhood best friends: Jerry Allen Baker and Ian Hall. In addition to his father and mother, he is survived by his wife, Maria Shelton; sister, brother-in-law, and niece: Morgan Shelton Taylor, David Taylor, and Reagan; maternal grandparents: Earl and Mary Pennington; aunts, uncles, and cousins: Mike and Vic Moore, Jon and Amy; John and Penny Hammons, Johnny B., Julie, and Whitney; Joe and Missy Shelton, Emily, Jamie, and Joey; Martin Pennington, Jake, Brett, and Allie; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Israel and Nimfa Ocasio; and sisters-in-law: Melanie, Marissa, and Mia. He leaves behind special friends Willie Henderson, Paul Viars, and Adam Cox, along with his military family whom he dearly loved. Other family members and innumerable dear friends also survive, to mourn his passing.
Officiated by Pastor Adam Cox and Pastor Tim Thompson, funeral services will be held at 6:00 P.M. Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church located at 1632 Cumberland Falls Highway Corbin KY 40701.
The family of Dirk Shelton will receive friends Thursday from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral hour at 6:00 P.M. at the church. The Wright Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard will conduct military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Special Operations Communicators Association www.thesoca.org or Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington, KY www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/locations/lexington. Hart Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.hartfhcorbin.com to leave messages of condolence.

Thomas R. Allen

Start Date of Serviece: 1 March 1984
End Date of Serviece: 1 March 1984
Date of Death: 17 May 2014

JCU Member (2nd SEA) March 1984- August 1986

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Thomas R. Allen, 74 of Seven Lakes West, West End, NC passed Saturday May 17, 2014 at the FirstHealth Hospice House. He was born May 26, 1940 in San Diego, CA to William Allen and Harriet E. Allen. Chief Allen served 28years in the U.S Air Force and served in Vietnam for two years. He served with total dedication and devotion as a Combat Controller at numerous locations around the world. He was preceded in death by his father, William Allen, his mother, Harriet Allen, and his brother, William (Billy) Allen. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50Years, Glenda Mitchem Allen, two daughters, Shoshanna Allen Richardson (Jeff Richardson), Sherrie Allen Cato (Robert Cato). Four grandchildren, Casey and Cody Cato and Hannah and Sarra Richardson, One brother, Dr. John A Allen (Carolyn) and two nephews, William Allen (daughter Lauren) and John T. Allen (Laura Allen), and various cousins.
A vigil for the deceased will be held on Wednesday May 21st 2014 from 7 to 9PM at the Boles Funeral Home in Seven Lakes.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11AM Thursday May 22nd 2014 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church at 300 Dundee Rd. in Pinehurst With Rev. Edward J. Burch officiating. Rite of Committal will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial donations can be made in memory of Thomas Allen to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation PO Box 89367 Tampa, FL 33689

Nathaniel J. Williams

Start Date of Serviece: 1 June 2012
End Date of Serviece: 1 February 2014
Date of Death: 13 February 2014

JCU Member June 2012- February 2014

Petty Officer First Class Nathaniel J. Williams was born 20 September 1979 in Groton, Connecticut. Nathaniel passed on February 13, 2014. A graduate of Cabool High School’s Class of 1997, he enlisted in the United States Navy as an Electronics Technician on 24 July 1997. He attended basic training at Recruiting Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois and on completion of his Advanced Electronics Training, he received orders to his first command, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Detachment, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Most recently he was assigned to the Joint Communications Unit, Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he served as a special operations communicator. During his 16 years of service, Nathaniel served in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and ENDURING FREEDOM. His awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award), and numerous others. He is survived by his wife Diane, brother Nathan, sister Shannon, mother Debra, and father Joe Williams.

James F. Pellegrini

Start Date of Serviece: 1 April 1981
End Date of Serviece: 1 August 1985
Date of Death: 23 October 2013

JCU Plank Holder April 1981- August 1985

PELLEGRINI JAMES F. “JIM” Age 60, of Waldorf, MD, on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Born December 1, 1952, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was son of the late Frank S. Pellegrini and the living Angelina Bucchino Pellegrini. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marian Pellegrini; his son, Daniel R. Pellegrini; his daughter, Jennifer L. Pellegrini; his granddaughter, Destiny Pellegrini; and his sisters, Judith McNeely and Rebecca Haas. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Anita Davis. Mr. Pellegrini was a Ret. Master Sgt. of 24 years with the United States Air Force. Following his retirement, he was the inventory manager with Darcars-Kia in Marlow Heights. He was a lifelong Steelers and Penguins fan. He enjoyed sci-fi on TV on Saturdays with his granddaughter and was the best dad ever. Friends welcome Tues. 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at WM. SLATER & SONS, INC., (412-381-3345), Virginia Ave. and Kearsarge St., Mt. Washington. Funeral Mass in St. Mary of the Mount Church, Wednesday 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.