Jasper Lacy

1922 - 2017

Lacy, Jasper The Atlanta Braves suffered an off-season loss recently when one of their most loyal fans, USAF Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jasper "Wray" Lacy passed away peacefully Friday, November 24, 2017. He died of natural causes three months shy of his 96th birthday. Wray became a fan of the team when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966 and never wavered in his loyalty to them, even in "the lean years". Wray was born March 5, 1922, in Canton, Georgia to Walter and Suzie Lacy, second-youngest of seven children. Wray loved his family and was a devoted son, cherished brother, favorite uncle and great-uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. At last count there are eight living relatives named in his honor. Seeming to be a lifelong bachelor, at the age of 36, Wray married his beloved wife Natalie in 1958, who preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by their daughter Natalie Beth Sims, and grandchildren Brian Wray and Kelly Rebecca. In addition, he was blessed with two much-loved step-children, Mignon Blair (children Nichole, Shana, Andrew, Phillip and Emory) and Phillip Baird (child Nathan). Lt Col Lacy was a combat veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, earning several medals in each, including the Distinguished Flying Cross as a lead navigator on D-Day, and multiple awards of the USAF Air Medal. Throughout his life he remained a treasured friend to his crew mates from both wars. Post war, Wray continued his Air Force career becoming one of only three Expert Artic Navigators during the Cold War (in the days prior to computers and GPS). He went on to work in special weapons requiring top secret clearance, and in typical fashion, he would note "I just knew what screw to turn" He served in the United States Air Force for over twenty-four years. After retiring to Orlando in 1966, he went on to have a second career as a Naval Civilian employed at the Orlando Naval Training Center for another 16 years. After retiring from his professional life, Wray and his wife Natalie were active for over twenty-five years as drivers for the Meals on Wheels program, and respite care-givers for families with members suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. They remained contributing members of their United Methodist Church family. Always humble, Lt Col Lacy seldom spoke of his military or community contributions, merely stating his gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve his country and his fellow man. His navigational skills were not just a gift to his military brothers, nor limited to the air. Wray Lacy helped untold numbers navigate through life with his wisdom, kindness and strength. Wray and his wife Natalie will be interred near his birthplace in the Georgia National Cemetery in a private ceremony with full military honors. Wray asks that those he leaves behind to "help someone when you can".