Bobby J. Rhay

Bobby J. Rhay

"Warden BJ Rhay"

January 29, 1921 - June 17, 2012

On June 17, 2012, we saw the passing of an extraordinary man. Bobby J Rhay was born on January 29, 1921, the second child of Floyd A. and Margaret M. Cox-Rhay, in Waitsburg, WA. The family, including siblings F. Oakley Rhay and H. Lorene Rhay, moved to Walla Walla in 1937. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1939.

Bobby was a decorated pilot, who flew with the 350th Fighter group, 347th Squadron. He flew 77 missions in Africa, the Asian Pacific and Europe, receiving the Brazilian government's Order of the Southern Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he continued in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard for many years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Bobby graduated with his BA in Sociology from Whitman College in 1947. His career spanned from Director of Classification and Sentence Planning at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) to Earle Stanley Gardner's "Court of Last Resort". By 1957, Bobby was Superintendent of the Washington State Penitentiary at the age of 35, making him the youngest superintendent in the country.

For twenty-two years, Bobby and his wife, Patricia, raised seven daughters on the grounds of the Washington State Penitentiary - Kathleen T, Colleen C, Maureen O, Bridgid B, Megan I, Patricia D and Ann E. In retirement, Rhay stayed active in the community, farming, running cattle, and tending property in the Blue Mountains.

Our father was a man bigger than life; much loved and respected by all. He is now in heaven but forever in our hearts. A Memorial Service in honor of this great man is being held at 11:00 on July 28, 2012 at the Central Christian Church, 66 S Palouse St., in Walla Walla, WA. Donations can be made in Bobby J Rhay's name to Fort Walla Walla or charity of your choice.