Jack Clarence Graybeal passed away peacefully Thursday, September 10, 2015 at home with his family by his side. Amen. He died from head injuries sustained from a fall. He was 78 years young.
Jack was the husband of Carole Isabell Graybeal, married 57 years; father to Michael, Elizabeth, Julie and Paul. Paul preceded him in death in 2012. He was a wonderful Grandfather to Candice, Amanda, Jackie, Leigh and Kirk and Great Grandfather to many.
Jack was born July 10, 1937 to Esther (Benfield) and Spencer Graybeal in Mitchell County, North Carolina. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Navy where he served for 4 years at the rank of Quarter Master 3rd Class and finished up with 4 more years in the Naval Reserve. After his service he worked for Zidell Machinery in Portland. His father-in-law suggested he try to get a civil service job and Jack did just that, accepting a job as a Portland Firefighter on Engine 4. He also worked as part of the fire boat crew on the Willamette River. He retired from the department in 1990. He thoroughly enjoyed his years spent there.
Jack and Carole raised their young family in their first home in Beaverton. Later, in 1974, the family built Carole’s dream home in Sandy where they resided for 24 years. Jack and Carole took a break from Oregon and moved to the Florida Keys for 15 years where they enjoyed mangrove and canal hopping, crabbing, sunsets on the water, family adventures and the “Keys Lifestyle”. They ended up as snowbirds-coming back to Oregon for the summers.
Jack’s mother-in-law Sylvia Mae Jackson was very special to him as he was to her and Carole’s younger brother Raymond was also welcomed as part of the family.
Jack loved to be occupied with one project or another. He enjoyed rebuilding cars, motorhomes and trailers. He really enjoyed remodeling homes. He loved his shop and all his tools. He could make, break or jury rig anything and he always had several great ideas going on in his head.
Jack treasured the meaning of family and welcomed anyone into the fold. He left his family knowing he had done what he needed to to make them feel safe, secure, and loved. He taught his family to have strong values, to be honest and hardworking. Jack is known , and will be remembered, as an honest man who had a big heart and always went the extra mile.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26th, 2015 at Sandy Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at noon. A reception for family and friends will follow the service at the Sandy Family Restaurant in downtown Sandy.
Contributions may be made in Jack’s name to Mt. Hood Hospice P.O. Box 1269 Sandy, Oregon 97055.