PROSPECT, Feb. 17 – Herbert Gray Vaughan, of Prospect, formerly of Farmville and Newport News, passed peacefully after a lengthy illness on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Southside Community Hospital.

Born December 28, 1940 to Henry Eugene and Emily Rieker Vaughan, Herb grew up in Cumberland County where he attended John Randolph Elementary and was a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1959, Herb graduated from Farmville High School and entered the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. He married Edith Price Vaughan of Farmville in 1963. Together they moved to Blacksburg where he pursued his fascination with math and science at Virginia Tech and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Herb and Edith settled in Newport News and Herb resumed his career at Newport News Shipbuilding. He was a member of Denbigh Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday school teacher for children of all ages. Continuing his life-long love of learning, he graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Masters degree in Business Administration. In 1999, Herb retired from Newport News Shipbuilding as a Master Shipbuilder after 40 years of service. Herb and Edith returned to central Virginia to make their home at Rockbranch in Elam, where they celebrated their 45th anniversary last year.

Though an avid reader, woodworker and lover of nature who enjoyed bluegrass music and all things nautical, Herb believed faith, family and friendship were most precious. He gave all whom he knew his personal attention; we know how blessed we were to have him in our lives.

Herb is survived by his wife, Edith Price Vaughan with whom he shared a loving marriage filled with joy and laughter, and by two daughters, Deborah L. Vaughan of Woodbridge, and Diana L. Vaughan of Arlington; sister, Nancy McKay and husband, Walter; nephew, Harold Collins Jr. and wife, Margaret; niece, Dana Barber and husband, Keith; as well as a great-niece and three great-nephews.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday, February 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Puckett Funeral.

Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 at Olive Branch United Methodist Church in Prospect with internment in the church cemetery.

Donations may be made to Olive Branch United Methodist Church of Prospect, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Prospect Volunteer Fire Department or other charitable organizations.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.