Obituary of Bobby Lee Gregory

A funeral service celebrating the life of Bobby Lee Gregory of Columbia will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home Chapel on Leesburg Road in Columbia with full military honors to follow. Mr. Gregory was born in Cumberland County, NC and after retiring from the military, settled his family in Columbia, SC and passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. On-line condolences may be sent to www.Greenlawn-Columbia.com. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Arelean L. Gregory; 6 children, Barbara Gregory Staton of New Jersey, Dennis R. Gregory of Columbia, Christie Gregory-Hinson of Columbia, Debbie L. Gregory (Terry Pritchard) of Summerville, Patricia Gregory DeShong (Mike) of West Columbia, Jackie Gregory Marsh (Mac) of Columbia, and one sister-in-law, Beverly Gregory of Sanford, NC. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Jessica Hinson, Shawn Gregory, Albert Staton, Stephanie Gregory, Sydney DeShong, Maighan Gregory, Kaylea DeShong, Solange Morgan, Maggie, Emily, and 6 great grandchildren; Gracie, Malichi, Elijah, Nevaeh, Joseph, and Noah. Mr. Gregory was predeceased by his son, Bobby Lee Gregory, Jr. and his only brother, Earle J. Gregory of Sanford, NC. Mr. Gregory was a career military man that began his service at the end of WWII, served a tour in the Korean War as part of the 15th Infantry 3 Division, and two tours of active duty in the Vietnam War as a part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Mr. Gregory was known as "Sarge" or "Top" by his military friends and Paw-Paw to his family and many grandchildren and great-grands. His exceptional military career is highlighted by many awards and declarations including, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart (received 3 times), the Marital Service Metal, and various metals received by the countries of Korea and Vietnam. Mr. Gregory was a brilliant man and had so many experiences in his 81 years of life that he was never short of stories and endless conversations. A loving and dear husband, father, and grandfather, he is deeply loved and will be truly missed by his family; he was their rock, their oak tree.