Korean War Veteran

Grant Ray Lucky
 Interview -  February, 2001
Interviewed by:   B. L. Dotson-Lewis
Summersville, West Virginia

 I am very honored to receive my high school  diploma.

	Grant Ray Lucky receiving his high school diploma,            February 26, 2001

Army - Korean 01/09/54

As the son of Holly and Madeline Lucky, I was raised in Centralia, West Virginia.  My dad worked for the B & O Railroad and my mom was a housewife.  It was difficult during my youth; however, I was able to attend school and even play football during the early high school days.

In 1943, my dad was transferred to the town of Richwood.  I attended Richwood High School through the 10^th grade.  Since times were so difficult financially, I decided to quit high school and go to work on the railroad to help with the family expenses.  I continued working on the railroad until 1952 when I was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War.  By this time I had met and married Charlene Neil in 1950.

The Army sent me to a remote area in Alaska to run heavy equipment and help construct an airstrip.  It was there that I served my two-year stint.

Upon returning home, I went to work for the B & O Railroad once more.  It was in 1962 that the railroad was forced to cut jobs.  I was fortunate to be offered a superintendent’s position for Cherry River Boom and Lumber Company, which is now Georgia Pacific.  I continued to work for the company until it was sold in 1966.

Once again, I was able to gain employment, only this time it was in the coal mines.  I was able to continue with this occupation until I retired in 1991 from Sewell Coal Company.

I have one daughter who is married to Dr. Lloyd Adkins of Richwood and three granddaughters.

My wife and I just celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary with many of our friends and family.  As I look back on the past 50 years, I am proud to have served my country as well as my family.

 I am very honored to receive this diploma.
end of interview.