Winfield A. Gregory, Sr.

Winfield Augustus Gregory was born on August 25, 1932, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to the late William Gregory and Priscilla Clark Gregory. He was raised in a spiritual household along with Dorothy Evans, Violet Edwards, Louis Riddick, Jr., Stanley Delvin Riddick, and Melba Purkett. He accepted Christ at a young age at Olive Branch Baptist Church, Elizabeth City, NC. Winfield was raised in Elizabeth City, NC and was educated in the Pasquotank County School System. He graduated from P.W. Moore High School and served three years in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, Winfield began his collegiate education at North Carolina A&T. After one year, he transferred to Elizabeth City State University where he met the love of his life, “then” Ruth Seymore and earned his Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, Winfield and his family relocated to the Washington D.C. area, Savannah Terrace, where he taught for one year in the D.C. Public School system. He spent the remainder of his career working in the nursing field at St. Elizabeth Hospital. After his retirement, Winfield continued serving others in various capacities. Winfield was married on December 17, 1955 to his loving wife, Ruth Seymore Gregory. One son resulted from this union. It was no secret that Winfield was proud of his son/name sake, and his 65 years of marriage. He never shied away from acknowledging his lifelong commitment to his family. Mr. Gregory joined Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Leon G. Lipscombe over fifty years ago. As a faithful member and proud trustee, you could always find him with a pocket full of keys, handing out Daily Bread Devotionals, and leading as a servant within the Food Pantry Ministry. He also enjoyed his involvement with the Jr/Sr Ministry, Men’s Bible Study, and Sunday School. When with family and close friends, he was also known as Mr. G., Bro. Gregory, Daddy Gregory, W.A., and Dink. No matter what, you could count on him to have a kind word; a word of wisdom; or a word of encouragement. He took his relationship with the Lord seriously and never skipped a day of prayer and devotion. His heart to serve continued as he gave back to his fellow veterans and those that currently serve as a member of the American Legion. Winfield had an eye for fashion and was always dressed to the tee. Don’t let his slender physique fool you. W.A. liked southern cuisine such as great northern beans, grits, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pig feet. He loved watching the Panthers, Washington, and Cowboys teams play. He also enjoyed watching criminal investigation shows, and spending time with his great nieces and nephews watching Old Westerns on GRIT while vacationing in North Carolina. Winfield was called to his heavenly home on the evening of November 21, 2021 and is now safely resting in the arms of the Lord. Winfield was loved and will be missed by many. He is mourned by his wife of 65 years, Mrs. Ruth Seymore Gregory, Melba Purkett, brothers in law Archie Seymore (Sarah), Larry Seymore, Rev. Louis Baker, Jr.; sisters in law, Marjorie Williams (Charles), Rev. Addie Blanche Overton, nieces, great nieces, a great-great niece, nephews and great nephews, cousins, extended family, and a host of relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his son Winfield Augustus Gregory, Jr., sister Dorothy Clark Evans, Violet Edwards, Louis Riddick, Jr., and Stanley Delvin Riddick.

Tributes

Winfield A. Gregory, Sr.

August 25, 1932 - November 21, 2021