Gerald E. Gregory

Gerald Edward Gregory, Sr. (Jerry), 92, passed away peacefully on February 19, surrounded by his children. Jerry was born in Takoma Park on December 12, 1929 to Edward W. Gregory and Clarice H. (Maynard).  He was predeceased by his loving wife Dee and a great-grandson Jason. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Laurel. He graduated from Laurel High School In 1948. He joined the Army National Guard when he became old enough (he did try at the age of 16 to get into the State Guard but someone recognized him).  He also worked for the Department of Defense in Ft. Meade the Pentagon and Cameron Station. At one point in time, usually when furloughed, he sold used cars at Mid City Chevrolet, sold auto parts at Western Auto on Main Street, sold appliances at Montgomery Ward (also had a Santa gig there), he also coached his son’s baseball team. He played lead guitar for Earl Christian and the Sinners, The Harmony Rockers and Lost Memories. He played at various venues in the Washington/DC area throughout his lifetime. He loved playing the guitar. We used to joke that the Gibson Guitar he owned was his first love. Guitar was not the only instrument he could play.  He played the piano, any string instrument, he could even play the accordion. The house was full of musical instruments.

Jerry met his future bride, Dee Vickers, through a mutual friend, Janet Kirkpatrick. He married Dee on June 30th 1954. They had 65 years together before she passed. They had seven children who were the joy of their lives (so they say). Kathy (Jim), Linda (Van), Gerald (Susan), Richard, Jackie (Shawn), Christine (Mike), and lastly the youngest Glen. He taught his children the importance of steadying (yes, you read that correctly), and at dinner time he would yell “thems that don’t eats don’t gets”, so you better make it to the table for dinner. Jerry could be found hanging out at McDonalds with the recycled teenagers shooting the breeze (and taking home extra napkins). After retirement Jerry, who was always competitive, joined softball, volleyball and bowling teams. He loved to play cards, scrabble, Mexican train. As he got older, he enjoyed watching the wildlife in his backyard. He would catch the squirrels who tried to eat from the bird feeder and relocate them to Rocky Gorge.

He was always busy, yet he always had time to make his family feel loved and important. Dad also had a funny side, a little cheeky but fun, most of the kids had nicknames such as Buzzy, Beaky, Plush Pup, Weeboss, Shifty, Scooter and Fat Dog. His children are forever grateful for the lessons they learned and for the ability to take a joke. And that yes, it is all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Jerry also had many grandchildren Carrie, Van, Eric, Jason, Briana, Kristiana, Kerry, Patrice, Christian, Shannon, Alison, Drew, Trevor and others. Jerry also had great-grandchildren – Savannah, Carly, Rhiannon, Tristan, Ezra, Bryan, Catherine, Joseph and others. He loved them dearly even the ones he has never met. We will miss you Dad <3

Visitation at the Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel on Sunday, February 27 from 12 to 3 PM when the funeral services will begin. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, March 1 at 11:30 AM