Rachel Smith Gregory

Rachel Smith Gregory, 95, was released from her earthly bonds to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 29 in a local assisted living facility. She was born on June 5, 1915 at the family home on Dailey Hill in the Boynton Community near Ringgold Georgia. She was a member of the National Honor Society at Central high School, from which she graduated in 1933. Rachel was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church since 1943 and a long-time member of the Grace Bible Class.

Mrs. Gregory raised six children. She was bookkeeper and Manager of H.H. Gregory Heating and Air Conditioning Company, established by her late Husband. As an accomplished seamstress, Mrs. Gregory individually tailored uniforms for students at Girls’ Preparatory School for 35 years.

Because the hardships of the Great Depression prevented her from attending college, Rachel had a strong desire that her children receive advanced education. As her Daughter Linda wrote , “Both of my Parents honored education, held up higher learning as a worthy and achievable goal and worked hard so that all six children could attend college.”

Mrs. Gregory was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Hamilton Gregory Sr; parents, Charlie and Laura Dailey Smith; brother, Dailey Smith; and sisters, Ruth Keith, Velma Davis and Mary Keith.

Survivors include five sons: Don (Judy) Lyons of Signal Mountain, TN, David (Neda) Lyons of Rising Fawn, GA, Sid (Betty) Lyons of Tunkhannock, PA, Hamilton (Merrell) Gregory Jr. of Asheville, NC, and Winborn (Marilyn) Gregory of Paducah, KY; daughter Linda (John) Higgins of Los Lunas, NM; 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and cousins Merrill (Mildred) Dailey and Gladys Dailey (Brown) Nevels with whom she was reared following the untimely death of her parents.

Rachel wished to acknowledge the friendship, support and care of two special individuals, neighbor and friend Betty Smith of Chattanooga and longtime friend Nannie Nell Freeman of Ringgold, GA. The family wishes to express special thanks to sitter and friend, Deborah Hundley of Ringgold, GA and the very professional and caring staff of Summit View Assisted Living facility.

The family will receive friends from 10 AM to 1 PM Wednesday, May 4 at the North Chapel. A service will follow at 1 PM with Rev. Bob Circeo officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Gregory’s name may be made to Gideons International or WDYN radio.

Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel, Hixson, TN.