Ira Gragson

Ira Charles "Chuck" Gragson, a former Livermore resident, died Sept. 12 at his home in San Jose, Calif. He was 82.

Born Jan. 29, 1930 in Phoenix, Ariz., he was adopted by Eugene Hoyt "Happy" Gragson and Naomi Maude Byars. Chuck and his family moved to Porterville, Calif. in 1947 to open a neon sign shop.

He married Nellie Wanda Gregory in 1951, attended Porterville Junior College, and eventually Fresno State College where he received a bachelor's degree in physics.

The couple moved to Livermore where they lived for more than 50 years and raised their family. Gragson was as a physicist at LLNL for more than 35 years and worked in A Division.

He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping with his family and traveling.

He is survived by his son, Derek; daughter Kim Earnshaw; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Sept. 29, at the chapel of Callaghan Mortuary in Livermore.