Obituary of Richard Grantham Gregory

Richard Grantham Gregory 3/18/1927-10/17/201 Born to Marjorie Grantham Gregory of Wilson, NC and James Edward Gregory of Chase City, VA, Richard "Dick" grew up in Wilson and attended Wilson public schools. Upon high school graduation he served in the US Air Force and was stationed in Germany during WWII and its aftermath. After graduating from UNC as a Political Science major in 1951, Dick went to work for NC Department of Transportation and enjoyed a 55 year long career in the Right of Way branch, overseeing the acquisition of land for highways and also serving as a state negotiator. He retired soon after his 80th birthday. With his long time service to the state he received many commendations such as The Richard Caswell Award in 1998 and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2007. Hearsay is that Governor Hunt commented that he was one of the most honest men in state government. Dick is survived by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Jayne L. Gregory. A committed and loving father to all seven of his children, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard Gregory Jr; he is survived by James Edward Gregory (Kim) and Timothy Gregory, both of Durham; Robin Atkins (Jim) of Dillon, SC; Deborah Maxwell Dion (Hal) of Los Angeles; Pamela Chatham of Chapel Hill; and Tammy Miketa (John) of Durham; as well as his former daughter in law, Cynthia Gregory of Durham. Dick, also leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Megan, Katie, Thurmond, Timothy, James G., Mary Ann, Madison, Grantham, James A., Hadley and Emily; as well as 3 great-grandchildren: Meriana, Makaia, & Gabriel. Dick was known for his quiet dignity, his loyalty and his wonderful dry sense of humor that he displayed until the very end. Unwaveringly thoughtful, his family always heard about his good deeds and acts of kindness from those he touched - not from him. He will be truly missed by all who were blessed enough to know him and stand in his light. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Duke Hospice for their loving care, and requests that gifts be made online to dukemedicine.org/giving and click on "Giving Opportunities" then "Duke HomeCare & Hospice". A Memorial Service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 806 Clarendon St., Durham, NC 27705 on Saturday October 26 at 3PM. Online condolences may be sent to www.walkersfuneralservice.com.