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Jack Gregory Obituary
Okolona - Earl Jackson "Big Jack' Gregory, Jr., 74, longtime and legendary All American Professional football player , died Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Monroe Co. after a brief illness. Jack was a graduate of Okolona High School, played football at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and Delta State University and was an all Pro offensive tight end and defensive tight end and tackle for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. His career was trendsetting in pro sports and he achieved many honors and accolades for his success. Jack retired from pro football in 1979 after an illustrious career and returned to Okolona where he farmed, raised cattle, was a professional auctioneer and eventually, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors for 11 years. His philanthropic work with the National Easter Seals campaign was legendary and he served as National Chairman for several years. A member of the Okolona Presbyterian Church and a patriotic American, Jack served in the Miss. National Guard. He was a joyful soul, an inspiration to many and a fabulous southern storyteller.
Services honoring his illustrious life will be held at 1 PM Monday, March 4, 2019 at the Okolona Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Gregory family plot at Oddfellows Cemetery. Visitation is from 3 PM-5 PM Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Holland Funeral Directors-300 West Main St., Okolona, MS. and from 11 AM-service time at Okolona Presbyterian Church, 400 West Main St., Okolona.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, his son, E.J. Gregory, III, his daughter, Madison Brook Gregory; two step children, Michael Carter and Amanda Hicklin. His five grandchildren. His brother Judge John Andrew Gregory and all of their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Jackson and Earline Gregory and his first wife, Gwen Massey Gregory.
Memorials may be made to the Okolona Presbyterian Church, 118 Robertson, Okolona, MS. 38860 or to Tupelo-Lee Human Shelter, P. O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS. 38802. Condolences may be e mailed to [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Gregory
Sponsored by Holland Funeral Directors - Okolona Chapel.
Rick English
March 11, 2019
Jack and I were teammates at Chattanooga. Mountain of a man on the field. Sweetest guy off. God Bless you Big Jack.
Frank Parker
March 3, 2019
Remembering my friend Jack from our football years with Cleveland Browns,many good memories a true friend., sending Deepest Sympathy to the family. Frank Parker (Big Frank).
James & Anne Burris
March 3, 2019
Jack was a great friend for many years! It was a true honor to know him, love him, and call him friend! You will be missed, Big Jack!
shirley king
March 3, 2019
E J , my name is Shirley King of Pelahatchie, MS. I knew your Mom and Dad. They were great people! Gwen was a senior and I was a junior at Pelahatchie High School. She was so nice to me and everyone. I worked at the Sunflower Store in the market. I remember you coming in with Mrs. Massey. You always were so sweet and always hugged my neck. I am sorry about your Dad, he was a great man. I know you will miss him. God be with you and all your family. Love Shirley.
Charlie McAlexander
March 3, 2019
Jack was my friend, a caring and gentle giant of a man.
I respected him because of his honesty and straight forward approach to all and though as rugged as they come, Jack had tender heart.
He named his favorite dog for me.. Challie Mac...Big man..little dog who was with him until that very special companion died beside him not long ago at home.. Oh, he loved that dog and
I was touched to be his namesake..
Jack was an incredible athlete! He was , hands down one of the greatest football players to ever come out of Mississippi and could have played for Bear Bryant,Johnny Vaught and a lot of other teams and received instant noterity , but his dad had other plans for him at a smaller school, his school.
God bless Jack Gregory..My Friend
Charlie McAlexander
Nashville,Tennessee
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Memorial Events
for Jack Gregory
Mar
3
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Holland Funeral Directors - Okolona Chapel300 W Main St., Okolona, MS 38860
Mar
4
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Okolona Presbyterian Church
400 West Main St, Okolona, MS
Mar
4
Service
1:00 p.m.
Okolona Presbyterian Church
MS
Funeral services provided by:
Holland Funeral Directors - Okolona Chapel300 W Main St., Okolona, MS 38860
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