George B. Grela, 84 of Tehachapi, CA passed away on August 8, 2025 at Cedars Sinai in Hollywood, CA.
George was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 27, 1941. He married Therma Joyce Baird on October 30, 1964, in Virginia Beach, VA. He was an ADJC in the Navy, stationed most of his career at NAS Coronado and Miramar Naval Base in San Diego. He spent 16+ years in the Navy most of his career repairing and teaching others how to repair various aircraft. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served five tours.
Our hero received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal for his service.
After retirement he worked for the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA before permanently retiring in Tehachapi, CA in 2002
George is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Therma Joyce Grela, and parents Benjamin Grela and Rose Marie Grela.
George is survived by his three children, Gary (Shiela), Gale (Steve), and George Grela Jr; brothers Ben Grela and Tom Grela; grandchildren Cindy, Andy, Mark, and Lilly; and great-grandchildren Corban, Jayelle, Titus, Tabitha, Gabriel, Olive and Harper.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 18 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 25 AUGUST 20251245: Stage at Wood Family Funeral Service, 321 West F St, Tehachapi, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xkr5c8GxgyJBuk9a61250: Mission briefing.
1300: KSU to Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2SJMY3nwuevdY1y91330: ETA to Bakersfield National Cemetery.
1400: Flag line and military honors.
Jim “Pops” Davis
Tehachapi Area PGR Ride Captain
jdavisabajo514@yahoo.com(661) 221-3120
US Army 1964-1970; Vietnam 1966-1970
Army Ranger Mos 63B20& 63C20
You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
