The family of a former Navy worker who died from mesothelioma has been awarded .2 million against John Crane Inc. After a six month struggle with mesothelioma, Gerald Gray of Suffolk, Virginia died just five weeks prior to his trial.

Gerald Gray worked on several ships over the course of a 20-year Navy career beginning in 1951. During his time with the Navy he breathed in asbestos fibers during repair jobs, as parts were changed out. Gray rose to become the command master chief for the Atlantic fleet, the Navy’s second-highest enlisted rank. He retired from the Navy in 1971 and became a local schoolteacher. One of his last wishes was for hospice workers to bring in a U.S. flag so that he could hold it as he died.

The lawsuit alleged that the negligence of five manufacturers led to Gray’s death. Moreover, the lawsuit contends the companies knew about problems with asbestos before the workers were exposed, but took no action. The lawsuit against the five manufacturers totaled million, but four of the five defendant companies settled out of court for an undisclosed amount before the case went to trial. However, John Crane fought the case and was ordered to pay 30 percent of the blame for the damages, or .2 million.