09/24/2023
Gregory Thomas Caruth, caring husband, son, cousin, and friend, passed suddenly on the evening of June 28, 2023, at age 75.
He was born to Henry and Marjorie (Burns) Caruth on June 15, 1948, and grew up as a Wheeling “Island Rat.” After graduating from Wheeling High School in 1966, Greg attended West Liberty State College where he double majored in English (Art) and Secondary Education. After graduation in 1970, Greg enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served as an illustrator (commercial artist). Greg received his Honorable Discharge in January 1975 at the rank of Sergeant.
Greg continued his long career with the government working various positions and locations in Central and Northern Virginia before being assigned to The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) located on Fort Belvoir. It was here where Greg’s artistic talent flourished. He created numerous dioramas, “props”, sculptures, and busts for presentations and displays. On Sept 13, 1980, he met the love of his life, Rita Spradlin. After a short courtship, they married on January 1st, 1981 and settled in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Through the years they would often travel to The Inn at Little Washington to celebrate both their meeting date and anniversary. Greg retired in 2003 as the Director of The DAU Press.
Together, Greg and Rita traveled the world, visiting all the continents except Antarctica. A frequent and repeat trip was to the beaches of St. Maarten, where their 2-3 week visits eventually totaled over 2 years of vacation time.
Greg continued utilizing his artistic talent during his retirement; creating several busts of historic figures. His bust of George Washington was copied and sold in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In later years he took to carving intricate and colorful Tiki wall hangings. Most weekends were spent volunteering at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation and Fredericksburg Area Museum.
When Greg was in Wheeling, he loved spending time visiting family and old friends over a slice of DiCarlos Pizza or a sandwich at Coleman’s Fish Market.
Greg is predeceased by his parents and his loving wife, Rita. He is survived by his Uncle James “Jim” Burns, many cousins and other loved ones in Wheeling, WV and Florida, along with numerous friends in Virginia. He will be especially missed by those young ones who called him “Uncle Greg”.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Greg on Saturday, October 7th, from 6-8 at Basilico New York Deli, 7013 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, October 6th.
