Ralph A. Gai, 93, of Easley, SC, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at his home. Born June 10, 1926 in Los Angeles, CA, he was a son of the late Secundo Gai and Clara Manzo Avala. He was half Native American and half Italian. Ralph was a veteran of the United States Army having served during WWII in the South Pacific. He was self employed as a truck driver and retired at the age of 80. He was a faithful Christian and enjoyed attending church as long as his health permitted. He lived the last 13 years with his daughter Liz and her husband Ed. He loved all of his grandchildren and was a great mentor to Gionna Rogers and her son, Jordan. He is survived by his children, David Gai, Corrine Gai Lemburger, Irma Gai Chavez, Elizabeth Gai Rogers and her husband Ed, and Yolanda Merachalir; step-children; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers, Steven Soto and his wife, Debbie, Ernest Soto and his wife Madeline and John White; sister-in-law, Anna Gai; and first wife, Lucy Gai. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his second wife, Maria E.S. Gai; son, Dennis Gai; daughter, Marcella Gai Ruiz; step-son, Rudy Recendez; sisters, Esther Moreno and Rachel Soto Olais; brother, Seggy Gai; grandson, Salvadore B. Ensign; and great-great granddaughter, Christine L. Parker. The funeral service with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, March 9, 2020 at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted and memorial contributions may be made to Interim HealthCare Hospice, 16 Hyland Rd., Greenville, SC 29615 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Following the service, all are welcome to the home of Liz and Ed. Events Funeral Service Monday, March 9, 2020 1:00PM M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 864-332-8022 Final Resting Place M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621