A WAR hero and a loving great-grandfather was honoured at a funeral service held at Reading Cemetery yesterday afternoon.

Eric Gray, a distinguished D-Day veteran and tank driver during the second world war, died on April 11 after a 10-year battle with dementia.

The 95-year-old received the Legion d'Honneur medal from the French president two years ago for his role in helping French liberation.

Born and bred in Reading, he had two children, Gillian and John, and as soon as Gillian was born he raced off to watch his beloved Reading FC.

Eric left Alfred Sutton Primary School at the age of 14 and climbed through the ranks with Sutton Seeds during a career of more than five decades to become executive director.

Don Bennet, Eric's son-in-law, said:"Although a fairly quiet man, he was always smart and army discipline never left him.

Reading Chronicle:

"He was rarely seen without a tie and polished shoes even on holiday. He was a caring and responsible person, friendly and helpful to all around him.

"He was very much a gentleman and, according to his secretary and others who worked for him, the best boss ever. He was well respected and many turned to him for advice."

For many years Eric was a tank driver and technician as part of his military efforts, piloting the vehicles across the heat of the battlefield despite never owning a driving licence.

Eric signed up for the army in 1939, storming the beaches of Normandy, before returning home to resume his role with the horticultural company.

He was married to Elizabeth for 67 years and was blessed with four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The couple moved to Devon after the war and he continued to pursue his love of gardening.

When his dementia progressed, he became a resident of Cherry Blossom Manor care home in 2012 after more than five years in their excellent care, he sadly died.