William Floyd Gregory

William Floyd Gregory was born on July 29, 1916 in Augusta Springs, VA, a son of Melvina C. and William S. Gregory. On Sunday, February 21, 2010 he joined his loving wife, Eleanor, in their heavenly home. Bill and Eleanor were married 69 years and are survived by their children Mary Louise Byron and husband Dean, William C. Gregory and wife Linda, Halbert J. Gregory and wife Karen. Bill and Eleanor have six grandchildren: Anna Miller, Laura Livingston, Stuart Gregory, and Jordan, Hunter, and Riley Gregory. He also leaves behind seven beloved great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was raised in Covington, VA, and after graduating high school there he spent several years in the 1930s and 40s performing bluegrass and country music in Virginia and surrounding states with his brother Bob and their band “The Pleasant Valley Boys.” During World War II, he worked as a draftsman for Kirk & Bloom Co. in Cincinnati, OH, doing support work for the armed forces. A defining achievement for him was working as a member of the team that made modifications to the Norton Bomb Site. While living in Cincinnati, he studied at Cincinnati Bible Seminary and although he studied at other colleges and university sites, he was proudest of his studies at CBS. Bill later earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Burton College and Seminary. While continuing his Bible studies, Bill worked as a draftsman at Acme Visible Records in Crozet, VA, and Specialties, Inc. in Charlottesville, VA. He served as Chief Draftsman at Sperry Rand in Charlottesville, VA, prior to becoming a full time minister. Bill served churches in Altavista, VA and Stony Point, VA before becoming minister of Somme Avenue Christian Church, Norfolk, VA, in December 1955. He remained in this position until 2002. During this time he also taught at Norfolk College specializing in Accounting. For two years he served as President of the Virginia Evangelizing Fellowship. Bill enjoyed many years as an active member of the Norview Masonic Lodge No. 113. A viewing will be held Thursday, February 25th at 10 am at Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel in Norfolk, VA. Randall Childress, minister of Kempsville Church of Christ, will conduct a service honoring Bill at 11 am. The family wishes to thank the staff of Brighton Gardens for caring for Dad for the last year. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line at www.woodlawngroup.com.