Obituary of Wayne M. Gregory, Sr.

Funeral services for Wayne M. Gregory, Sr. age 86, of Benton, will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 31, 2018 from the chapel of Riser Funeral home in Columbia with Bro. Shane Duke officiating. Interment will follow at Columbia Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 11:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Wayne was born August 6, 1931 to the union of Jack and Elma Coates Gregory in Columbia and he passed from this life on May 27, 2018 at Aimee Hospice Center in Shreveport.

Wayne Gregory proudly served his country in the 519th AAA Gun Batallion during the Korean War (1951-1953). Before entering the military, he worked for Columbia Cleaners as a truck driver. He had many God given talents which allowed for multiple trades in his lifetime. He worked many jobs, most notable for Smuckers Jelly Co., Beaird Industries Inc., and Halliburton.

He was raised in a large, loving, caring, close knit family. He liked to talk about old times, especially farming, hunting, and fishing with his dad. He passed on these traditions to his children.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved being surrounded by his family telling all his stories while they enjoyed his world famous dressing.

He had a love for antiques and setup at many shops and shows to showcase all the treasures he found. He never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind, body, and soul.

He was preceded in death by his sons: Ricky Lane Gregory and Brad Scott Gregory; his parents; brothers: Jerry, Jim, Huey, and Jack Gregory; grandson: Jeremy Boyd.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Emma Gregory of Benton; sons: Wayne Malcolm Gregory, Jr. and his wife Guin of Sullivan, Ohio; Chad Gregory and his wife Stacy of Benton; daughters: Gwen Heffern of Shreveport and Cathy Nadeau of Shreveport; brothers: Don Gregory, Leonard Gregory, and Bob Gregory; sister: Elsie McLemore; grandchildren: Candace Young, Jessica Dixon, Christy Lefever, Shannon Weiler, Shawn Tracy, Jennifer Graham, Jeffrey Boyd, and Hannah Gregory; great-grandchildren: Riker Dixon, Adelaide Dixon, Ethan Young, Liam Young, Tyler Lefever, Beaux Lefever, Brandon Weiler, Raelee Weiler, Breanna Tracy, Jeremy Tracy, John Tracy, Ella Graham, Landon Graham, and Victoria King.

Pallbearers will be Len McLemore, Mike Thirion, Seth Gregory, Jackie Dean Gregory, Lee Cook, Ricky Young, and Jeff Dixon.