Viewing for Alvin Dale Ferry Sr. 88, of Coos Bay will be held Friday, November 16, from 10-5 PM at Coos Bay Chapel 685 Anderson Ave. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Shoreline Community Church 2151 Clark Street North Bend with Pastor Mike Barnard officiating. Burial with military honors will be held Monday, November 19, at 2:00 PM at Willamette National Cemetery 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. Portland.

Alvin was born January 31, 1924 in Hayes Center. Nebraska the son of Ray Chester and Goldie Rosella (Herbert) Ferry and passed away on November 10, 2012 in Coos Bay.

Alvin and Grace Ruth Hicks, his childhood sweetheart were married January 31, 1945 in Wenatchee, Washington where they began their married life. They lived in Cashmere, Washington for several years then lived in Gold Beach for 37 years and resided in Coos Bay for the past four years. Alvin joined the Marine Corp at age 17. He was a WWII Veteran serving in the South Pacific where he was in the battles of Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. After being discharged, he received his GED from Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Washington. He then worked for the US Government Forest Service as a surveyor for 36 years, retiring on June 25, 1981. Alvin was very active in the Marine Corp League being State Treasurer and also Marine of the year in 2002. He was a Devil Dog, member of the VFW, Kiwanis, Gideon's, a Boy Scout Leader and Treasurer of the First Baptist Church in Gold Beach for 10 years. He loved music, playing the mandolin, guitar, harmonica, violin and recently taking ukulele lessons.

Alvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Grace Ferry of Coos Bay; five children, Teresa Ricketts and husband, Roger of Paris, Texas, Carol Harlow and husband, Tom of Coos Bay, Alvin Ferry Jr. and wife, Marsha of Coos Bay, Cathy Jensen and husband, Dennis of North Bend and Jeffrey Ferry and wife, Eileen of Albany; 17 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Goldie Ferry, infant son, Michael Ferry; brothers, Ray, Robert and David Ferry; sister, Amy Osborn; half brothers, Silas and Bill Ferry and half sister, Eunice Parker.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Shoreline Community Church 2151 Clark St. North Bend, OR 97459.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the on-line guest book at www.coosbayfh.com or www.theworldlink.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel. 541-267-3131.