Published: May 13, 2008 08:53 am         

Robert C. Gumphrey Sr. [Cumberland]

CUMBERLAND - Robert Clay Gumphrey Sr., 82, of Cumberland, died peacefully Sunday, May 11, 2008, at home with his family.

Born Feb. 16, 1926, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Glenn Edward Gumphrey and Ora Letha (Clark) Gumphrey. Mr. Gump-hrey was also preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie (Patty) Gumphrey of Cumberland; his brother, Edward Gumphrey of South Carolina; his two sons, Robert "Bobby" C. Gumphrey Jr. of Frederick, and Steven Clark Gumphrey of Missouri.

With a proud Native American heritage from his Chiricahua Apache ancestors, Rob-ert "Running Bear" taught his family to care for others. Robert worked locally for 14 years providing transportation services through the Department of Aging. He was also a United States Army veteran having served in World War II (1944-46) mainly in the China, Brahma and India Arena. He served as Sgt E4 and as TEC IV.

Robert's many accomplishments included successful careers as a country club manager, pharmacist assistant, loan officer and manager of Commercial Credit, Inc., caterer, chef and manager at Bob's delicatessen where he had over 40 original products which were sold throughout his area in Bristol, Tenn. He was also property manager of 900 units at Presidential Park in Adelphi. He also taught his son, Steve Gumphrey to shoot pool who went on to become a world-class player who was honored with the ongoing "Steve Gumphrey Memorial Tournaments."

Robert is survived by daughters, Doris Henderson of Mt. Rainier, and Patti Marshall of Mt. Airy. Also surviving Robert are his daughters-in-law, Phyllis Gumphrey of Frederick, and Peggy Gumphrey Hines of Missouri; and his stepdaughters, Pamela Rose and Deborah Bloss, both of Cumberland. Robert is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephen Henderson, Patrick Heflin, Eugene Marshall Jr., Donald Marshall, Holly Thomas, Clay Gumphrey, Steve Gumphrey, Thomas Gumphrey, John Gumphrey, Kelley Cristiano, Sarah Bloss, Timothy Bloss, Roger Bloss Jr., Denise McGahan, Skye McGahan and Katherine McGahan; as well as his 15 great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, (AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com) on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Diane Smith officiating.

Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Post 13 Veterans Honor Guard.

Interment will be in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Rocky Gap.

Donations may be sent to his favorite charities in lieu of flowers to St. Labre Indian School, PO Box 216, Ashland, MT 59003 or the National Children's Cancer Society, One South Memorial Drive, St. Louis, MO 63102.