E.J. Gregory, 81, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Nettleton. Born in Smithville on December 17, 1942, he was the son of Joseph Edward and Parlie Mae King Gregory. He married the former Peggy Sizemore who preceded him in death. To know E.J. was to know a true outdoorsman. Knowing all the best places to hunt and fish, he even made his own jigs out of deer tails and loaded his own shells. He is described as the most dedicated and decorated hunter and fisherman, and he had the tales to go with it. He had his own unique way to express his feelings, but he never missed an opportunity to carry any of his grandchildren on a hunting or fishing trip. One of his favorite places was Grenada where he held the record for a flathead that weighed over 50 pounds. When deer hunting with dogs season rolled around, it was better than Christmas Day and the memories he left for his family are unmatched.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home with Bro. Drew Gardner and Bro. Jackie Pate. Burial will follow in the Pearce Chapel Cemetery.
Those left behind to cherish these memories are his son, Edwin Gregory (Angie), Smitvhille; 3 daughters, Sherry Montgomery (Richard), Smithville, Renee Caldwell (Chris), Amory, and Patti Causey (Mike), Nettleton; grandchildren, Eric Mills (Latashia), Daniel Montgomery (Stephanie), Amber Pearson, Taylor Scruggs (Dylan), Mallory Pate (Drew); great grandchildren, Georgia Kate and Ridge Mills, River Montgomery, Drew Gideon (Katie), Ayden Gideon, Anna Pearson, and Ansley, Cason, and Myla Pearl Scruggs; and was expecting his first great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy Gregory; and granddaughter, Allie Gregory.
Pallbearers will be Drew Pate, Drew Gideon, Eric Mills, Ayden Gideon, Daniel Montgomery, Jason Lindsey, and Dylan Scruggs. Honorary pallbearers will be Ridge Mills, Blake Duncan, Andy Lockhart, Phillip Brown, Rollin Turnage, Hunter Leech.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service hour on Sunday.
Memorials may be made to craniocarebears.org
