Wayne M Gregg
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Wayne M Gregg, formerly of Atglen, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the VA Community Living Center in Coatesville, PA. He was the husband of Catharine (Gibson) Gregg for over 53 years. Born in Coatesville he was the son of the late Miles K. and Idabelle (Campbell) Gregg.
Wayne proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam vet. He was a member of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church and served as a trustee. He was also a member of the Christiana Lions Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Gail (Matt) Courtney of Middletown, DE, and a son, Andy (Jessica) Gregg of Redondo Beach, CA, grandchildren, Daniel and Connor Courtney of Middletown, DE, and sisters, Kay (Jonas) Lantz of Willow Street, and Barbara Russell of Mt. Joy, PA.
Wayne grew up in Atglen and lived most of his life in the tiny, one-red-light, idyllic town. He knew almost everyone and greeted each person with a smile, and usually a lively conversation. Wayne would have won in a landslide if he had run for mayor, but politics weren’t his thing. He was the definition of a good neighbor, always willing to lend a helping hand. In winter he would shovel out elderly neighbors’ driveways without being asked, in summer he would mow those same elderly neighbors’ lawns, again, without being asked. He wanted nothing in return. He did it because it was the right thing to do. Wayne would stop by to check on his neighbors regularly, sharing stories and laughter at every stop.
Wayne was a dedicated son who taught his children by example how to care for aging parents. With his father paralyzed due to complications from MS, and his mother suffering from Alzheimer’s, Wayne tirelessly lined up care for them, checked on them daily, and made sure they lived their final years with dignity.
He was also a loving husband and father, caring and providing for his wife Cathy, “Sweet Pea” as he called her, and his children Gail and Andy. His tough exterior would melt quickly in the presence of his only daughter. He was a proud “girl dad” long before that term became popular. Then his grandsons came along. Daniel and Connor Courtney had Granddad in the palm of their hands. He loved being a grandfather, and spending time with the boys was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Wayne was a self-employed barber and had a shop in his home in Atglen. His barber shop was busy most nights of the week, with conversations and laughter bellowing through the door that separated the shop from the kitchen. When the barber shop door opened Wayne would get up from the dinner table and get to work, never wanting his customers to have to wait, even if they were 10 minutes early. That’s the kind of guy he was, selfless, always thinking of others.
Wayne also worked at the former Quebecor Printing in Atglen doing shift work for 42 years. He enjoyed his co-workers, many of whom became friends outside of work.
Wayne took pride in the possessions he worked so hard to acquire. His 1995 Ford F150 pickup was almost always freshly waxed and washed, and after 25 years still ran great and had accumulated only about 60,000 miles. That’s what happens when your commute is one mile each way! He even kept The Club on the steering wheel nightly, despite his kids telling him they were pretty sure no one was going to steal his truck in the safe little town of Atglen.
Wayne had a sweet tooth and loved root beer, chocolate, cake, ice cream and basically any other dessert. He could always be found with Lifesavers mints in his pocket, offering them to pretty much anyone he met. At cookouts he could always be found manning the grill, while having a few cold ones. The Gregg’s played host to several friends with cookouts every holiday in the summer, and parties every New Year’s Eve. Wayne was always the life of the party, making sure everyone was having a blast.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment to follow in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Octorara Food Cupboard. To make a donation please click HERE.
Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers to the Gregg Family
Both of my sons had their hair cut for years by Mr. Gregg. He was always patient and kind with them. They enjoyed going to see him. I will also always remember how kind he was to offer to drive to my father's home to cut his hair when it was too difficult for my father to leave the house. His kindness was so appreciated. My sympathy to his wife, children and grandchildren. I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely, Tawnya Haag and the Haag family
Sorry for your loss
Dear Cathy & family,
Sorry for your loss. I really liked Wayne. He was so nice to me. I used to entertain him at the parties. He was one of a kind. He'll be missed.
My sincere condolences to
My sincere condolences to Cathy and family. I remember my dad talking with him when we were at Aunt Marie and Uncle Vernon's. Such a nice guy!
Sincere Sympathy
Dear Cathy and family
So sorry to hear this. Many great memories. May God’s peace surround you all
Our condolences
Cathy, Andy, and Gail,
We were so sad to hear the news. You're in our hearts.
Carolyn, Ed, Laura, and Lori
Va visits
I believe he was in my brother Harry's class but I remember him from octorar HS. I would talk to him as he sat in the hallway at the vaccine. I also remember Cathy from HS who I haven't seen in years. He was a nice guy. My sincere condolences.
Wayne Gregg
This obituary is spot on if you are going to describe Wayne Gregg. He and Cathy were so kind to accept the responsibility of being guardians to our children if anything happened to us. Our girls knew what kind of household they would experience if that day ever came. Cathy would be the disciplinarian and Wayne would be the rough-tough-creampuff. Wayne always tried to make it better with a lollipop! Wayne Gregg had the kindest heart.
One thing we all looked forward to were the picnics and get-togethers. Especially the New Year’s Eve parties. The “Gang” would meet at the Gregg home and have a delicious meal. This was followed by an exciting game of charades! The best part is, it was always the men against the women! Lew and I can’t remember the men ever winning! Even the young ones enjoyed it! Wayne and Cathy made everyone feel welcomed.
Wayne Gregg was a man above all others. Always generous and kind. We will miss him and his warm sense of humor. Rest in peace Wayne.
-Lew and Martha Gay
Our Condolences
My wife Diane and I knew Wayne from the time he married Cathy. Diane is Cathy's cousin. As a member of the last generation of men to be subject to the military Selective Service system, Wayne served his country in the U.S. Army honorably and dutifully including a deployment to Vietnam during combat operations in that country's conflict. As s citizen of the United States, Wayne believed it his responsibility and the right thing to do to spend two years of his life in the service of his country. Men of his character made his community and this nation a better place in which to live. He will be missed.
With much respect,
Herbert P. Braselman
Captain U.S. Navy (Retired)
THINKING OF YOUR FAMILY
Dear Cathy and Family we were so sad to hear of Wayne's passing. Wayne drove me and his sister Barb to Octorara high school often in his 48' pink plymouth. most of the time we ending up pushing the car..in all kinds of weather, those are now wonderful memories. we know we will see Wayne again.
Sending prayers
Kathy & family:
Hal & I are so sorry to read of Greg's passing. He was such a nice guy and a old fried of Hal's. Greg's suffering is no more, May he rest in peace. Sending love & prayers to all.
Greggy
"Greggy," as my late father called him, was so kind and loyal to my beloved dad, a fellow Army Veteran. Greggy came to our house on Rt. 41 and cut Dad's hair for 3 years as Dad was bedridden. Greggy and Dad shared Army memories and laughs. I will never forget and be forever grateful for the compassion and kindness Greggy showed Dad and myself. Rest in Peace, Soldier, and thank you for you service.
Dear Cathy and family, Cathy
Dear Cathy and family, Cathy we were so sorry to hear about Wayne. You know we were with Wayne a lot of years he was a really special person. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
If there is any thing we can do just call. Love Mike and Gen Wilsey
Thinking of you and remembering...
Dear Cathy, Kay, Barbara and Families,
So sorry to learn of Wayne's passing. Wish I could have been with you at his memorial service.
He and I grew up together and went to school together from 1st grade on through high school. Always enjoyed being around him. Still remember fondly the old Atglen elementary school where we would gather to play baseball after riding our bikes around to get as many guys as possible to come play. Boy, could his big lefty swing hit a ball a long, long way(so it seemed at the time)!
Wane had a gift of making you smile and grateful you spent time with him. Can still see his big smile and hear his infectious laugh.
May you continue to be engulfed in our Lord's never-ending lovingkindnesses as you remain anchored in His truth. Ps.94:19 Ps.68:19-20 Ps,116:15