William Ray Gregory Sr.

William Ray Gregory Sr., “Ray”, 89, was reunited with his wife in Heaven on February 4, 2016. Funeral services to celebrate Ray’s life will be on Sunday, February 7 at 1 PM at Bethel Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Steven Gunter followed by interment with military honors at Lakeview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Saturday, February 6 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel and at other times at the residence.

Ray was born in Guilford County to the late Talmage and Nannie Cox Gregory. He was the only boy in a family of eight children. He worked at Cone Mills, White Oak Plant as a Head Loom repairman and retired after 51 years of service. Ray was not one to sit still so after retirement he went to work at Winn-Dixie as a bagger. He served his country in the US Navy during WWII and was a long time member of American Legion Post #386. His children will remember a loving, supportive and good provider to his family and his grandchildren will remember how he loved to spend time with them. Ray loved the Lord, enjoyed listening to gospel music and in earlier years was the tenor in a gospel quartet. He enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, yardwork and was a talented bird house and windmill maker. His form of relaxation was sitting on the front porch watching the traffic and waving to passers-by (whether he knew them or not.)

Ray is survived by his son William R. “Buddy” Gregory Jr., and wife Chris, daughters, Gloria Gregory Mayo (also his caregiver) and Rebecca G. “Becky Johnson and husband Bill all of Greensboro; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren; and sisters, Louise Billings of Kernersville, Margaret Brande of Greensboro, Dorcas Broadaway and husband Hart of Summerfield and Nellie Stone and husband Sidney of Tampa, FL. In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Rachel Gregory, infant son, Danny Marvis Gregory and three sisters, Reba Swan, Marie Beck and Mildred Gregory.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Gregory family.