Darrell Paul Gregory

Darrell Paul Gregory of Maryville, TN passed away on October 30, 2019 at the age of 82. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a Godly man who learned perseverance from being a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs. He grew up in Walland, TN and in 1956 married Thelma Lois (Barbra) Gregory, who survives him. They raised their three children in the suburbs of Chicago, where he worked for over 30 years for Reynolds Metals Co. He retired as a supervisor in 1988 and he and Thelma moved back home to Tennessee. For many years he taught Sunday school and served as a deacon of Piney Level Baptist Church. He loved people and had the heart of a servant. He also loved telling jokes, and didn’t let being a terrible singer stop him from joining in a hymn. He told folks he was often requested to sing solo — so low nobody could hear him. He was proud to be a descendant of the Cades Cove Gregorys, and spent hours hiking the park’s trails. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Paul and Jessie (Wilson) Gregory, his brother Elmer Gregory (Brookfield, IL), and his sister Carolyn Riddle (Maryville, TN). As well as his wife, Thelma, he is survived by his children, Robin Somerfield (wife of Dan), Daryl Gregory, and Lisa Johnson (wife of David). He is survived by grandchildren Courtney (Somerfield) De’Andrea (wife of Joe), Caitlin (Somerfield) Linder (wife of Mark), Cameron Somerfield (husband of Taylor), Emma Gregory, Ian Gregory, Maya Whiteside, Kyle Whiteside, Nolan Johnson, and Collin Johnson, as well as six great-grandchildren and two on the way. They will miss their Pa. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 2, from 11am to 12:30 at Smith West Chapel, with service to follow at 12:30 and interment at 1pm at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate). Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Darrell Paul Gregory please visit our Sympathy Store.