<::taps::> Robert Eugene "Bob" Gregory, WWII veteran, Regimental Bugle Corps
Catherine
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 18, 2009. He was
born December 6, 1921 to the late E. Downing and Nellie Gregory in
Hurst-Bush, IL.
Bob was a lifelong Boy Scout from childhood, and a Scoutmaster in
south Florida for many years where his troop won numerous camping and
skill awards at Jamborees. He loved animals, camping, gardening,
woodworking, the great outdoors, and was an accomplished bugler.
Mr. Gregory enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately following the attack
on Pearl Harbor, and served for the duration of WWII. He was a member
of the Regimental Bugle Corps and the 989th Field Artillery
Battalion. From England he saw action through the Utah Beach Normandy
Invasion into France, the Battle of the Bulge, and on into Germany.
His division was the first Allied Artillery group to cross the Rhine
River onto German soil during the final push of the war. He was a
witness to the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. He was a
proud U.S. Army veteran who loved his country dearly.
Following WWII service, he married 'Gwen' Bloodworth whom he had known
since childhood. They made their home in South Florida where they
raised four daughters. Bob was a carpenter and construction
superintendent building many shopping centers, banks, and hospitals in
Miami, as well as two hotels in Cape Kennedy during the height of the
Gemini/ Apollo Space Race years, where he enjoyed watching many rocket
launches.
After their retirement to North Carolina, he was widowed in 1989. In
1992, he was blessed to meet and marry Frieda Buchholz, who survives
him.
His family will always remember him as a jokester who loved to kid
around and tease, especially his grandkids and poor ole cat, Hugo. We
will all miss him and always appreciate the way he loved, provided
for, and took great care of his family.
Mr. Gregory was a member of Shining Light Baptist Church, Monroe, NC
and the American Legion.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his loving daughters: April
McDermott and husband Rick of Charlotte; Peggy Kelly and husband Chris
of Midland; Bobbie Fargnoli and husband Dan of Harrisburg; and Gail
Buchsbaum and husband Wayne of Mint Hill. Mr. Gregory was also the
proud Grandpa of six grandchildren: Robert Kelly; Jennifer Bailey and
husband Nathan; Paul Buchsbaum and wife Jen; Erik and Shane McDermott,
and Christine Buchsbaum. He also has two great-grandchildren to
cherish his memory: Aiden Buchsbaum; and Grandpa Bob's special little
buddy, Andrew James Bailey. Other survivors include special niece Pam
Groover of Virginia Beach, VA, as well as numerous other nieces and
nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
sisters Lillian Brown and Mildred Thole, and brother Edward Gregory,
as well as his first wife of 43 years, Juanita Gwendolyn Gregory.
Visitation and family reception of friends will place take from 11
a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Lowe Funeral Home of
Matthews, 4715 Margaret Wallace Rd. A service to celebrate his
Homegoing will follow immediately in the funeral home chapel with
Pastor Tim Cruse of Shining Light Baptist Church officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens on
Lawyers Rd. at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Gregory requested that any memorials in his
honor be made to the Missionary Fund of Shining Light Baptist Church,
2451 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe, NC 28110.
Published in Charlotte Observer on September 20, 2009