Coach David Ronald Gregory

Coach David Ronald Gregory, age 74, of Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona while visiting his son, Kevin. David grew up in the Mentor Community of Louisville, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty and J.C. Gregory and his in-laws, Polk and Mary Crumbliss. He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Polkie Crumbliss Gregory, son, Kevin Gregory, Arizona; daughter, Penny Gregory Holloway, Chattanooga; son-in-law, Dave Holloway, Chattanooga; grandchildren, Tyler and Anna-Kate Holloway, Chattanooga; brothers, Mike Gregory, Gray and Gene Gregory, Maryville. David graduated from Friendsville High School, Maryville, Tennessee; Hiwassee Junior College, and East Tennessee State University with a B.S, 1965 and M.A. in 1974. He began teaching and coaching in the Johnson City School System in 1968. He taught elementary physical education at King Springs, Stratton, Henry Johnson, Southside, Northside, and four years at Liberty Bell Junior High. He coached all sports at the junior high level until the late 1970's. David absolutely loved the elementary children and they loved him! During those years, he became "Coach". He retired after 32 years of teaching. David's daughter, Penny, followed in her father's footsteps and is also a teacher. The game of golf was a big part of David's life. Oh, how he loved the game and his golfing partners. He was very active in the Senior golf league for years and won many golf tournaments. His hole-in-one was made on the 8th hole at Graysburg Hills golf course. David instilled the love of golf in his son, Kevin. For ten years they played together in the North-South Father/Son Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC. They won their flight every year! David loved his church family at Wesley Memorial United Methodist. He had been very active over the years with his Sunday School class (Owls), the transportation ministry, and the Inter-Faith Hospitality Network. David served as President of the Johnson City Lions Club in 2002-2003, and received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for his Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Lions Club International Foundation. He also officated high school football games through the TSSAA. To all his family, past and present friends, teachers, former students, former athletes, and church members, I know David would want to say, "Thank you for enriching my life." The funeral service for Mr. Gregory will be conducted at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 10, 2018 with Pastor Gerald Casson officiating. Music will be under the direction of Suzanne Grzych, flutist, Carol Shrum, Cellist, and Scott Shrum, soloist. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 11, at Washington County Memory Gardens. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 A.M. Active pallbearers will be Dave Holloway, son-in-law, Tyler Holloway, grandson, John Berry, Glenn Davidson, Edwin Fowler, Frank Grzych, Gary Scheuerman, and Tom Walters. Honorary pallbearers will be members of OWLS Sunday School Class, fellow golfers, fellow teachers, Lions Club Members, Transportation Committee at Wesley Memorial United Methodist. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Gerald Casson and Dr. Samuel Massey. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations be made to Area III, Special Olympics, P.O Box 4594, Johnson City, TN 37602 1-888-915-7227. Order Flowers Service DetailsWednesday, January 10th, 2018 6:00pm, Appalachian Funeral Home- East Chapel Interment DetailsWashington County Memory GardensRead Obituary