Billy Garrett Gregory's Obituary
Billy Garrett Gregory, age 98, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on
June 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of God and his family.
Billy was born on November 6, 1927, in Hartsville, Tennessee. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Grover Cleveland Gregory and Clara Ann Garrett Gregory; his
two brothers, Finley Gregory and Victor Gregory; and his two sisters, Thelma Burnett
and Edna Lemke.
He is survived by his wife of seventy-three years, Estelle Allen Gregory; his sons,
Barry A. Gregory (Susan) and Mark A. Gregory (Valerie); his daughter, Virginia
Gregory Witt (Daniel); grandchildren, Whitney Gregory, Ryan Gregory (Trinity),
Zackery Gregory, Grace Gregory, and Mary Elizabeth Carney (Scott); and five
beloved great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Carney, Rosemary Gregory, Thomas Gregory,
John Carney, and Islay Gregory.
Billy’s adventurous spirit showed itself early. At just fourteen years old, he was
determined to follow his older brother Victor into military service. He enlisted in the
United States Navy without his mother’s knowledge. Stationed in San Diego, he was
scheduled to sail aboard the ill-fated USS Yorktown. However, as was often the case
throughout his life, God had other plans. Right before their departure, Billy had to be hospitalized, and the ship sailed without him. Though he was spared, 141 sailors lost their lives on that mission.
When she discovered what he had done, his mother wrote directly to the President of the United States and successfully secured his release because of his young age. After being discharged, Billy was given money for a bus ticket home from San Diego,
California. True to his frugal nature, he chose instead to save the money and hitchhike all the way home.
From an early age, Billy showed the strength, courage, and determination that would define his life. After playing college football, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a paratrooper. Following the war, he served in the
occupation forces in Japan, continuing his service with discipline, patriotism, and
devotion to his country.
More than anything, Billy was a man deeply committed to his Christian faith. He was a faithful member of Dickerson Road Baptist Church, where his love for the Lord
remained the foundation of his life. In his later years, Billy devoted countless hours to helping others by researching and writing thousands of letters to people across
Tennessee whose money was being held by the state, explaining how they could
recover funds that rightfully belonged to them. He expected nothing in return, using
each letter as an opportunity to share his faith and witness to others about Jesus Christ.
Billy never missed an opportunity to speak about his faith. Anyone who visited his
apartment would often leave carrying one of the many books he kept on hand about heaven, which he gladly shared.
Those who knew Billy will remember his joyful spirit and positive outlook on life.
Whenever anyone asked him how he was doing, his answer was almost always the
same: “Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.”
Billy lived a remarkable life marked by faith, service, generosity, devotion to family,
and an unwavering desire to point others toward Christ. The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and assistants who lovingly cared for Billy during the last year of his life.
A memorial service celebrating Billy’s life will be held at Dickerson Road Baptist
Church on July 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with visitation beginning one hour prior at 1:00
PM. A reception will follow
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
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Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
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