Gregory Vance Malone

Gregory Vance Malone was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 1, 1953. He was the second child, and first son, of Katherine Crutchfield and David Malone. In 1973 he met Debra Gibson who was also raised in the Los Angeles area. A year later they were married. Through this union God blessed them with two children LaTrice M. Malone Hubert and Kory L. Malone.

At a young age he discovered his love for music. In 1965 he joined The Mitchell Boys choir at the age of 12. The Mitchell Boys choir would sing every Sunday at Good Shepherds Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, which was attended by Frank Sinatra. In addition, they were featured on The Flying Nun soundtrack and could be heard on KFI radio. His second love was playing his bass. He played bass in Dorsey's High School famous jazz band; along with John Holmes and Rodney Brewer they played small venues around Los Angeles. The most famous venue they played was the Roosevelt Hotel.

In 1971 Gregory graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High school. In 1973 he enlisted in the Coast Guards, where he was then stationed in Alaska. He specialized in navigation of the ship and other related equipment of the ship. In the Coast Guard he received the Obedience and Good Conduct award. He received honorable discharge.

In 1981 Gregory Malone gave his life to our Lord Jesus Christ, at this time he established Crenshaw Christian Center as his church home. He was a faith partner until his passing.

In 1981 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He never let his disease stop him. Instead he became a Cub Scout Den Leader for his son's Webelos Cub Scout troop.

He also had a passion for learning, in 1995 he decided to go back to college and pursue a career in accounting and business management.

Greg loved being a restaurateur. He started as a manager at McDonalds; he then worked for Sizzler for 22 years as a restaurant troubleshooter and General Manager. He received many awards and accolades. He was also a passionate advocate for disabled people's rights. He was once in the newspaper for "one upping" the local Mayor. When the Mayor asked how he liked the new metro link he said "he didn't". The mayor asked why. He told them, they forgot to install a handicap ramp, and for that reason he was not able to get on the Metrolink. The Mayor was so embarrassed he had the city install the ramp the next day.

In 2010 his walk team (smiling Walkabouts) was created in his honor, every year a host of friends and family participate in the MS walk to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis. In 2011 his team was a silver level fund raising team. This was the second highest fund raising level.

Greg was a very friendly and charming man. Who always made friends everywhere he went it was always "his pleasure" to help where he could. His signature smile would brighten your day.

On December 28, 2013, Gregory went Home to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife Debra L. Malone; two children LaTrice Hubert and Kory Malone; mother Katherine Crutchfield; son-in-law Gary Hubert; daughter in law Tyeisha Malone; a sister Marsha Broyard; a brother Wendell Crutchfield and two grand children Simone Hubert and Jayden Hubert with a third grandchild on the way. He is also survived by a host of other family members and friends.