Randall B Gregory, 92, passed away peacefully from this physical world into the spiritual wonder of heaven on Friday, July 5th at 1:44pm at the Wentz Living Center.

While we have heavy hearts, we also have overflowing joy as he is in a better place and in no more pain. As it is written, "to be absent in the body is to be in the presence of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ", --Amen

Dad was born August 28th, 1931 in Dadeville, Alabama to Roy and Minnie Gregory. As the youngest male in the Gregory household, he was left to help his dad farm their 20 acres in Camphill, Alabama.  Since this was not his long-term plan he trekked out to other places in the southern states and eventually entered the Air Force in July 1950. During one of his breaks from training he found himself back in Camphill.  On this one visit, he met our mom (Mary Frances Haggerty) when he went to borrow some butter from her sister's home (just a short walk through the pasture).   It was twinkle eyes at first sight and just before he left to continue his training. They kept in touch by letters which is how they "dated".  There was no physical courtship, rather it was the 1950's version of virtual dating.

Mom and Dad married in a small family ceremony at his parents' home in Camphill on May 25th, 1952.  Mom passed in June 2008 just after 56 years of marriage. Dad's sons and daughters-in-law packed him up for a move to the Greater Sacramento Region where he resided for almost 16 years with my me and my wife.

Napoleon, ND was his final stopping point when we moved here to be with Renee's mom, Margaret Jangula, who was residing in the Wentz Living Center.  Dad was soon to follow and resided in the room next to her until her passing in March.

Dad had three brothers: Chester (Flora), Horace (Becky) and Paul (Bobbi Nel) as well as two sisters: Blanche (Charles) Johnson and Gloria (George) Williams.  Dad and Blanche long outlived their other siblings and kept in contact through the years by phone. Dad and Mom had three married sons: Randall B Jr. (Renee), David C. (Kimberly) and Robert D. (Robin) as well as four grandchildren:  James (Lindsay) Gregory, Janae (Eric) Walters, Ryan (Kat) Gregory and Madison (Thomas) Drake, and six great grandchildren: Wesley and Landon Gregory; Hazel and Lilyana Walters; Hunter Gregory and Delilah Drake.

Many comments from newly formed friends at the Wentz living center said dad was seen as a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man.  Liked by the staff and of course all the ladies.  He was still getting around at the almost age of 93 with the aid of his walker.  He was slow, but steady and stubborn like the race of the tortoise and the hare…recognizing it was a race of long endurance and not of a quick sprint.

It was a blessing to have him here in our lives to enjoy and get to know him much more than when he was overseas long periods of time during his  20 year military career. May he enjoy the warmth of the Son and the reuniting with family and friends gone before him. Dad, be sure to save us all a reserved spot with you at the banqueting table.

There will be a Celebration of Life service held Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:30pm at the Wentz Living Center Chapel to thank the residents and staff for their wonderful care and friendships.  Additionally, for those that had a chance to interact with dad or family friends in Napoleon you are also welcomed.

The military burial will be at approximately 3:45pm at the Napoleon City Cemetery.