Greggory Wayne Smith

passed away November 3, 2021 in San Diego, CA.

Born in Bremerton, Washington, Gregg and family spent his early years in Pullman, WA where his deep love for the Washington State University Cougars was born and grew to a manageable obsession. Pullman, WA, Port Orchard, WA and Oregon City, OR, would become his home for Elementary and High School years. Returning to Port Orchard, Gregg spent his time as a Volunteer Firefighter with the South Kitsap FD. Southern California called and Gregg answered where he spent 30 years. Early on he worked and managed a local body shop with his uncle and distributed for Coca-Cola; which started his other passion of collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. Displaying fierce loyalty, Gregg was known to stop eating at restaurants if they dare changed from Coke to Pepsi. Finally Gregg spent the last 20 years operating tow trucks throughout San Diego County.

A true fan of racing his Facebook profile lists his religion as “NASCAR” and preferred the prayer style of Ricky Bobby (Google Pastor Joe Nelms NASCAR prayer - you’ll understand). His friends often said he had problems making right hand turns and couldn’t understand why drafting was frowned upon on I-5. A large number of jackets collected at races with family and friends was fun but tested relationships and friendship after waiting in-line with Gregg for 3 hours to purchase one. Gregg’s Uncle, Cousins from Alabama and California friends share great memories attending races from coast to coast, and were always planning for the next race and gathering. Following his love of racing he spent many years supporting the local race community as part of the towing crews for the Cajon and Barona Speedways. Always ready to provide a push or tow off the track, words of encouragement (in his own special way) or just general non-conformal behavior; Gregg was ready to assist. Checkers and Wreckers towing for Barona Speedway was his final responsibility as a push truck driver prior to becoming ill. It was extremely difficult for Gregg to step away knowing his personality and sheer terror behind the wheel of his push truck couldn’t be matched. They are thankful he installed seatbelts before handing over the keys!

Frequently grumpy and sometimes inappropriate in his own special way, Gregg was uniquely himself and will be remembered for his race track attire of a (dare we say ugly) green floral Hawaiian shirt and holding a bottle of Diet Coke; his love of golf and woodworking; all things WSU to include one highly fashionable sport coat; feeding his niece meatloaf and cheesecake for breakfast or baking 24 dozen cookies (because they thought the recipe should be doubled) with his California “adopted bonus child”. His love of Butternut Cake, peanut butter, or the hundreds of recipes (especially orange creamsicle anything) posted on social media will be missed, but most of all his special birthday greeting of “Happy Hatch Day” or “Happy Age Advancement Day”.

Gregg is survived by his mother Franciene (Gordon) Chrisman, father Robert Wayne (Barbara) Smith, siblings Kevinn (Karrie) Smith, Zachery Smith, Jessica (Jesse) Grandinetti, Hailey (Jered) Marzyck, Bryan (Julie) Chrisman, Randall Chrisman, Lori (Mark) Schoonover, Kathy Zemke-Cotterell (Alex), Kimberly Harris, Jennifer Amerson, William (Crystal) Rohler, Kaylee (Shawn) Lowe. Additional family members Michael (Bonnie) Schoonover (uncle), Kathleen (Carl) Helton (aunt) and Sally (Louie) Jones. His California “Adopted Family” of Stephanie and Cheyenne Hassebrock, Ed and Jacob Hassebrock, Adam Whitcomb, Tom “Tommy” Henkel, and the Cajon & Barona Speedway families. Gregg also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, other kids he loved as his own, and many dear friends.

Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend who will be deeply missed.

Interment service will be held on December 3, 2021 at 10:30. Sunset Lane Memorial Park, 1000 Bethel Ave, Port Orchard, WA. A Celebration of Life will follow at New Hope Church (Fellowship Hall), 1522 Baby Doll Rd SE, Port Orchard, WA.

In remembrance of Gregg you are encouraged to wear any WSU, NASCAR or colorful Hawaiian clothing for the Interment and Celebration of Life.

A remembrance gathering is being planned for a later date to be held in California.

Condolence notes may be sent to the family at the following address:

Family of Gregg Smith

2106 Ridgeway CT SW

Tumwater, WA 98512