 | Garland D. Gregory, age 92, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011, at his home in Ruston, Louisiana. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday May 1, 2011, at Trinity Methodist Church, Ruston, Louisiana. Visitation will be held at 2:00, preceding the funeral service at 3:30. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.The Reverend Rolly Walker will officiate.
Coach Gregory was born March 8, 1919, in Vixen, Louisiana and graduated from Columbia High School having excelled in all sports.He attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, his athletic skills on the football team earning him a position on the All American Football Team.
On December 8, 1941, he volunteered to serve in the Army Air Corps and served as First Lieutenant with the 4th Air Force. He was chosen to play football with the Fourth Air Force Flyers and the Hollywood Bears. Following world War II he played for the inaugural team of the San Francisco 49ersin 1946, playing two years and being named to the All Pro team.
His coaching career included Bastrop High School, Virginia Military Institute, and El Dorado High School, where his skills and character inspired many young men, resulting in many state championship teams and several of his players being selected as All Americans. His former players still remember his desire for excellence, his calm demeanor, and his high standards of character.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Sebron Alexander Gregory and Onie Railey Gregory, of Columbia, Louisiana; four brothers--Harmon Gregory, Benton Gregory, Leo Gregory, S.A. Gregory; two sisters--Bernice and Beatrice; his wives Marion Willis Gregory and Alice Crow Williamson Gregory. He is survived by a sister, Claudine Risdal and husband George of West Monroe, Louisiana; daughters, Josie Gregory Herbert and husband Dr. Allen Herbert, of Ruston; Beverly Marcantel of Marietta, Georgia; and Janice Thiel and husband David of Alpharetta, Georgia; sons Al Williamson and wife Lillian of Dubach, Louisiana; Ambassador John Clinton Williamson and wife Ivanna of Washington, D. C. Grandchildren include Greg Herbert and wife Leslie of Ruston,; Mark Herbert and wife Amie of Lake Charles; Jon Herbert of Towanda, Pennsylvania; Joel Marcantel of Marietta, Georgia; Brooke Nugent and husband J.P. of Scottsdale, Arizona; Elizabeth McIntosh and husband Scott of Plant City, Florida; Andy Thiel of Alpharetta, Georgia; Alice Lindsay and husband Scotty of West Monroe; Heather Inman and husband Randy of Dubach, Louisiana;Bert Williamson of Dubach, Louisiana;Isabel and Sofia Williamson of Washington, D.C;and thirteen great grandchildren.Loving caretakers were Linda and Christy Patton, Lela Cheney, and Joel Thurman.
Pallbearers will be Jim Mooty, Charles Jinks, Billy Joe Adcox,Tom Hinton, A. L. Williams, and John Robert Williamson. Honorary pallbearers are Coach Jimmy Mize, the Reverend Doug McGuire, and Mike Reed. Memorials can be made out to the Louisiana Tech Athletic Fund or any charity.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com |