Joseph Elbert Gregory

Joseph Elbert Gregory entered into rest Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, SC. He was born at home in Kershaw, SC, on September 21, 1922 to Theron L. and Annie Pittman Gregory. Elbert served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific theatre. He returned from the war and on March 30,1947 married Mary Louise McLane, his bride of 65 years. The couple began their life together in Charleston, SC where he attended The Citadel on a football scholarship. There they made lasting friendships. After his graduation in 1950, Elbert began his career of teaching and coaching in several schools in North and South Carolina. In later years, he served as principal of Kershaw Junior High School. Some of his fondest years were spent coaching the Kershaw Eagles football and girls’ basketball teams. He retired from the field of education in 1979. Elbert was a long-time member of the Kershaw Methodist Church. His priorities were God, family, and country. His Christian faith was strong and certain throughout his life. He was patient, understanding, and supportive, and loved being the father of three girls. His life was enriched greatly by his many grand- and great grand-children. He was particularly proud of being an American and having served his country as a United States Marine. Survivors are his wife, Louise, two brothers, Robert Gregory of Columbia, SC, Theron Gregory, of Kershaw, SC, a sister, Mary Ellis of Winter Garden, FL; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Jo and Bob Clark of Rock Hill, SC, Peggy and Dwayne Hinson of Heath Springs, SC, and Alane and Reese Mills of Kershaw, SC; and nine grandchildren and 14 great grand-children. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Kershaw, SC with Pastor Bryant Fersner officiating. A visitation will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crohn’s& Colitis Foundation, National Processing Center, Attn: Honor & Memorial Gifts, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN, 56007-9976 TEL: (800) 932-2423 (www.ccfa.org)