Senior Chief (1962)
Horace Ray Duley (1919-2021)
First President, and Chairman of the Board
Born on March 22, 1919, in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Mr. Duley grew up on a farm along the Ohio River. Watching the steamboats pass his childhood home sparked a lifelong love of the water that led him to a distinguished 23-year career in the U.S. Navy.
⚓ GMCS | USN 1939–1962
Serving aboard the heavy cruiser USS Vincennes (CA-44), he witnessed the Doolittle Raid and defended the fleet at Midway and Guadalcanal with his famous "water geyser" strategy. He survived the sinking of the Vincennes at Savo Island and continued the fight aboard the USS Santa Fe (CL-60).
After his Naval retirement, he served as a civilian at the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown until 1976, leading the effort to incorporate our Branch in 1977.
Chairman Emeritus (Age 100+)
The Charter Seven: 1977 Founding Directors
Alongside Mr. Duley, six other Shipmates signed the original 1977 Articles of Incorporation, dedicating themselves to the "Protection, Loyalty, and Service" of enlisted veterans.
Gordon H. Webster
Master Chief | USN (Ret)Administrative Architect: Born in Packwaukee, Marquette County, Wisconsin, Gordon served from July 1948 through March 1971. As a Yeoman, his administrative precision was vital to the club’s founding. Serving as the first Vice President, he was the primary leader alongside Mr. Duley who navigated the complex legal process of securing our original charter and property.
Service Period: 07/1948 – 03/1971 | Birthplace: New Haven, CT
Blackledge "Blackie" E. Harper
Chief Torpedoman’s Mate, Submarines (TMC (SS)) | USN (Ret)A Legacy of the Silent Service: Blackie served from February 1945 through October 1966, a career spanning WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. A qualified submariner, his service took him from the destroyer USS John W. Weeks to the deep-sea missions of the submarine USS Chivo (SS-341).
Duty Stations: USS John W. Weeks (DD-701), USS Salinan (ATF-161), USS Chivo (SS-341), USS Fulton (AS-11), and Fleet Training Center Newport.
Harry Camden DePue, Jr. (1916–2000)
Electrician’s Mate First Class (EM1) | USN (Ret)From the CCC to the Missouri: Born in Roane, WV, Harry was a member of the "Greatest Generation," serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps before enlisting in the Navy in 1939. His 20-year career saw him in the North Atlantic on subchasers, aboard the battleship USS Texas, and as part of the USS Missouri crew that transported President Truman.
Combat & Legacy: During the Korean War, he served in harm’s way aboard the minesweeper USS Impeccable. After retiring from the Navy in 1960 and the Naval Weapons Station in 1979, Harry dedicated his life to the FRA. He was a foundational officer whose selfless energy helped secure the very grounds the club stands on today.
Service: 1939–1960 | Duty: USS Texas (BB-35), USS Missouri (BB-63), USS Impeccable (AM-320)
Gary C. Thompson
Boatswain’s Mate First Class (BM1) | USN (Ret)A Champion for the Community: Born in Willis Branch, WV, and later a resident of Grafton, Gary served as President of the Peninsula Branch during its formative decades. A retired Boatswain’s Mate and local Realtor, he was the public voice of the FRA, championing projects like the Adopt-a-Highway program on Fort Eustis Boulevard and JROTC scholarship medals.
The Heart of the Mission: Gary believed in the "personal gratification" of service, leading the Branch in providing critical financial aid to military families during medical hardships and supporting local youth through the Police Explorer Camp. His 26-year membership was defined by the belief that people should know the FRA is "out there doing good."
Service Period: 1947–1966 | Branch President & Charter Director
Curtis E. Smith
Boatswain’s Mate First Class (BM1) | USN (Ret)A Master of Seamanship: Born in Petersburg, VA, Curtis enlisted in February 1943 during the height of WWII and served a distinguished career through July 1962. As a Boatswain’s Mate, he represented the traditional heart of the Navy. He was a vital link between the club and the local military community during the 1977 founding, embodying the principle of Loyalty to the Sea Services.
Service Period: 02/1943 – 07/1962 | Birthplace: Petersburg, VA
George E. Kelley
Navy Veteran | DirectorBylaw & Social Architect: George was a dedicated resident of the Peninsula who answered the call to lead the club during its 1977 incorporation. He played a crucial role in drafting the original organizational structure, ensuring the club remained a "non-profit and non-stock" corporation dedicated solely to the welfare of its members. His commitment to the club’s social mission helped create the welcoming atmosphere that defines the Social Quarter today.
Eternal Rest: October 27, 2008 | Hampton, VA