Gregory W. Small, Sr.

Greg, also lovingly referred to as Biggie Small, was born on September 20, 1957, as the first child to Shaughneysy Small, Jr and Ruth (Penny) Small in Battle Creek, MI. He and his parents moved to Springfield, Illinois, where Greg lived a full, loving, family-filled upbringing as the oldest sibling of six younger brothers.

On January 30, 1988, he was married to Keena René (Wilson) Small. Greg gave his heart to God on April 5, 1986, at the age of 28 at Capitol City Church of God. He was a dedicated member of Cherry Hills Church for 22 years. Over the course of his life, he was very active in church and served in various capacities including the adult choir and youth pastor.

After graduating from Springfield Southeast High School, he was the recipient of a basketball scholarship and attended Springfield Junior College. He went on to study at the University of Illinois, receiving his bachelor’s degree.

One of Greg’s favorite hobbies was golf, and he earned the Gold Cross Country letterman while attending Springfield Southeast High School. In 1984, he was a US Open Qualifier at the Illini Country Club.

Greg was always known as a hard-working family man with an extensive professional career. He was employed as a Long-Distance Spanish Bilingual Operator with Illinois Bell Telephone, a Station Operator with Commonwealth Edison, an Engineering Assistant, Managing Principal Instructor and Control Operator with Dominion Energy, Inc., and a Control Room Operator with Dynegy, Inc. From 1980 – 1982, he was the Nuclear Operations Emergency Response Life Safety and Rescue Principle Licensed Instructor for High Angle Rescue for Commonwealth Edison in Chicago, IL at Kincaid Generation station where he handled 28 nuclear sources. He was also a licensed EMT for 24 years from 1995 – 2019. He earned his Hazmat certification from the University of Illinois, High Angle Rescue certification from Herest, OSHA certification, and was a certified Nuclear Fire Brigade Task Force Team Member.

Anyone who knew Greg knew that he was the most loving husband, father, sibling, and son a family could ask for. He shared this same love with his community of friends, professionals, and acquaintances. Those who had the pleasant experience of even the briefest encounter with him, were touched by his loving, kind, gentle spirit, his love for Jesus Christ and his incredible sense of humor. He knew no strangers and helped anyone in need, whether family, friends, loved ones and individuals who were blessed to meet him on any given day of his life’s journey. Greg made lasting impressions everywhere he went.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Shaughneysy Small, Jr. and Ruth Ann Small.

Greg is survived by his loving wife, Keena René Small and their children, Sunshine Clemons, of Springfield, Illinois, Lauren (André) Messina of Metairie, Louisiana, Gregory Wayne Small, Jr., Shawnaci (Brady) Schroeder, Kara Small, and Jared Small, all of Springfield, Illinois; six brothers, Jonathon (Darcel) Small of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, David Small of Springfield, Illinois, Benjamin (Laura) Small of New Berlin, Illinois, Matthew (Jayme) Small of Belleville, Illinois, Josiah (Kim) Small of Springfield, Illinois, and Shaughneysy Small III of Shakopee, Minnesota; two granddaughters, Aria Bender and Lola Messina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The visitation will occur on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. The Funeral Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery.