Joel I. McGregor, Jr. was born January 2, 1921, in San Antonio, Texas. His loving parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joel I. McGregor, Sr. Their family was complete with two lively younger brothers, Charles and Frank. Growing up in Houston, he had fond memories of activities with family and friends at his home there and at their bay home. Graduating from Sam Houston High School, he continued his education at Texas A&M College, before working in Washington, D.C., then volunteering to serve in the U.S. Army at the beginning of World War II.
On April 15, 1943, he married the love of his life, Mary Emily McKnight, of Marlin, Texas, a recent graduate of Baylor University. Their wedding ceremony was moved to an earlier date, because he was to begin serving in the Army within the week. He served as a second lieutenant in World War II, and later served during the Korean War. During World War II, he served in the 28th Infantry Division under General Patton as a forward observer in the second wave landing at Normandy. Later, he served as Aide de Camp to General Norman D. Coda and as field artillery specialist. Because of his valor in the Battle of the Bulge, he earned two bronze stars and was recommended for a Silver Star. He marched with the American troupes through Paris for Victory in Europe, and assisted with liberation of internment camps in Europe.
Following WWII, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M College and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He later graduated with his Master of Arts, also from Texas A&M College, before assuming his most fulfilling profession as Junior High, then Elementary School, principal in Marlin, Texas.
Joel felt honored to be a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Marlin, a member of the Marlin Lions’ Club, a Mason with the Marlin Chapter, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. An avid golfer at Marlin Country Club, he loved playing with good friends and joining a collegial group that met for coffee upstairs at the bank on weekdays. He loved visiting, golfing, fishing, and hunting with relatives and friends.
Mr. McGregor was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers, Frank B. McGregor and Charles B. McGregor.
Survivors include his daughter, Marylin Sue McGregor Kelly and her husband, Robert M. Kelly, Jr.; grandson Walter Joel Kelly and his wife, Jill Diane Bowen Kelly, and son, Owen McGregor Kelly; granddaughter Karen Emily Kelly Kostohryz and her husband, Jeffrey John Kostohryz, and daughter, Elizabeth Mary Grace Kostohryz; as well as loving and devoted nieces and nephews and their families.
Services will be Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., graveside at Calvary Cemetery, Marlin, Texas; Adams Funeral Home is making arrangements.
