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Gregory Dwight Artis Sr.

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West High School Emory University Georgia State University Ohio State University

Gregory Artis Obituary

ARTIS Gregory Dwight Artis, Sr., Esq., "Greg", 56, formerly of Atlanta, Ga., entered into eternal life at 9:11 p.m. on August 2, 2008, in Lincoln, Ill., as a result from complications of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Visitation services were held in Decatur, Ill. on Thursday, August 7, 2008, from 5-8 p.m., a city where Greg had resided for the past five years. Funeral services to celebrate his life and "graduation" will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Atlanta City Church, 3355 Old Jonesboro Road in Fairburn, Georgia. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in College Park, Georgia. The family will also have visitation service on Monday, August 11, 2008, at Murray Brothers Funeral Home in Atlanta, Georgia from 7-9 p.m. Greg was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 8, 1952 to Willie Joe Artis, Sr. and Eloise I. (Smith) Artis. He was a bright and studious young man, graduating from West High School in 1970 and later from the Ohio State University (OSU). After receiving his degree from OSU, Greg moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked as a pharmacist. The quest for knowledge and a heart for public service led this gifted soul to pursue and receive his law degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating with honors in 1982. From there, Greg practiced law for over twenty years, retiring from his position of Senior Attorney at the Bellsouth Corporation in 2002 and later from his Assistant General Counsel position at the Illinois Power Company (Ameren) in Decatur, Illinois. He had been a member of the American Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar, the Florida Bar, and the State Bar of Georgia. Greg also served as an adjunct professor for Georgia State University's School of Law as well as a pro bono attorney for family law cases. A devoted family man, Greg knew the challenges and joys of raising three children as a single parent. He adored his children, Kierstian, Bethany, and Greg, Jr. and taught them the ways of Christ and God-fearing citizenship. Like his Father in heaven, there was nothing too great for this man to do for the ones that he loved and his devotion to them knew no end. Later in life, Greg welcomed and cherished new loved ones when he married Taj Yolanda (Kilgore) Artis on July 25, 1998 and became the step-father to her children, Heather, Allyson, and Christina Harmon. Together, the halves became a whole and a new and true family was formed. Greg had a love for God, nature, sports (especially the OSU Buckeyes), science fiction and fantasy movies, Mayfield butter pecan ice cream, his faithful pet and friend Benson (the Big Brown Dog), serving people, and most of all, his family. This ordained minister and church elder was preceded in death by his mother and will be missed by many people, including his wife, father, children, step-children, grandchildren, Jason, David, Dezhaun, Chyna, Jeremiah, Jessica, and Kristian), brother, Willie Joe (Margie) Artis, Jr., brother-in-law, Trejon (Henri) Verdier, sisters-in-law, Teresa (Antone) Smith, Trion Arnold, aunts, uncles, cousins, several nieces, nephews, two great nephews, as well as numerous friends and colleagues. Condolences to the family and tributes to Greg may be left at www.legacy.com and www.walkerfs.com. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Aug. 9, 2008.

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March 29, 2011

To Greg's family-I just found out about Greg while looking up old friends. I've known Greg since I was in the 7th grade. He was a kind and gentle person back then and I'm sure he continued on in life the same way.
Shell Patterson, Colllumbus, Ohio

lucy parlor

December 20, 2010

Taj, I don't know how to find your facebook address.

My prayerss & Seasons greetings as you manage without a number of your family members who are no longer here.

Jim Kincaid

August 6, 2009

Greg, I am so sorry to hear that you left us last year. I didn't know of your passing until just this afternoon. My prayers and love go out to your family. Your time was too, too short on this earth. We will take comfort in knowing that you are in a better place. I am proud to call you my friend.

I can never forget the times we shared at West High School. Remember when we met? It was our first year at West during wrestling practice. We didn't see each other as black and white students. We were just two guys brought together by a common sense of humor and common interests. These things brought us together and kept our friendship strong,even through the racial strife that was prevalent throughout the country and our years at West. The fighting and bickering was as confusing to you, as it was to me. Too many told us that we weren't suppose to get along because of the color of our skin. Our many talks served me well during those trying times and throughout my life. I've used a story about our friendship to teach my sons the importance of looking beyond the color of someone's skin when picking their friends. One morning we given the name of the guy that we were going to wrestle that day and you looked at me and said, "I hate it when I have to wrestle one of you white guys. You always smell funny." We laughed and laughed. I told you "that's funny, we feel the same away about wrestling blacks. Recognizing the things that we had in common, rather than the things that made us different made our friendship stronger.

I see that you were deeply involved with your church. I hope you kept singing and sharing your voice with family and friends. Being a tenor, I envied your beautiful deep bass voice. Those times with Mrs. White, our music director,were tough to beat.

You are gone from us Greg, but will never be forgotten.

Your friend,

Taj Artis

August 2, 2009

One year later... I miss you and I need you but I must learn to live without you. Thank you for everything and may your precious soul rest in peace. We will see each other again and heaven will not contain our joy.

Love, your wife

Kiersi

June 11, 2009

Hi, Daddy. I just wanted to say that I love you, and I am being taken care of. Erik is my rock and asks that you tell his mother (Alice Davis) hello. She is in heaven with you, and his brother (Anthony Davis).

Kiersi

June 5, 2009

I miss you. I am so scared. Love you, Daddy.

Kierstian Artis

May 26, 2009

I miss you so much!

Kierstian Artis

May 20, 2009

You were in my thoughts all day long. I miss you so much. It's still not real. Just wanted to say I love you.

Kierstian Artis

May 15, 2009

Daddy, I never thought I'd have to say goodbye. You're gone now, and I still can't let you go. I'm scared. I'm scared of the future and what my life will be without you. You're my Daddy, my friend, my confidant, my counsler, and I feel so alone. I am so sorry for all of the hurt and pain that I caused you. And I will do all that I can to make things right. I want you to look down from the heavens, and say, "Yes! She did it!" I love you so much, and I miss you. My phone rings and I wish it was you. I love you, Daddy. I will make things right, I promise.
Love,
Kiersi

Bill Ballard

March 3, 2009

Greg and I were classmates at Emory Law School. I remember him as a serious, dignified and friendly colleague. I am sorry to hear of his death and send my condolences to his family. What a great life he had, albeit too short. kind regards. Bill Ballard (Emory Law 1981)

Taj Artis

February 15, 2009

Dear Greg,

It was one year ago that you went on life support. I watched you fight for me, flirt with me, and never cease to amaze me during the months that you needed assistance with breathing. What a delightful soul you were (are)!

You were such an honorable man. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to not only know you and be your friend, but to also share a true love with you in the bonds of holy matrimony. I look forward to the day when we will see each other again. Until that time...

Forever your loving handmaiden and friend,

Taj

Georgia (Martin) Ward

September 3, 2008

To Greg's Family - I was so sorry and shocked to hear of Greg's passing. I graduated from WHS w/ Greg; served as an officer of Student Council w/ him, and considered him to be a good/close friend. I have a sister living in Atlanta, and called Greg from time to time when I was there visiting. I pray that your love and happy memories of time spent w/ this wonderful man will see you through this sad time. God Bless all of you.

Bethany Artis-Davis

August 29, 2008

To all who have signed this book:
Thank You for your love and support. My daddy was a wonderful man, and I'm proud to have been his daughter, and friend. I appreciate the kind words, and having known that there are countless people who cared for my dad, whom I never had the chance to know. I love you so much Daddy. But I can't say goodbye yet.

Anne Farnsworth

August 28, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Greg at BellSouth Advertising & Publishing. He was a skilled professional and a delightful person. I was glad to read that Greg had such a large family to support him. God bless you all.

Taj Artis

August 15, 2008

I miss you, honey...

Tia Williams

August 14, 2008

Well where do I start. I was Mr. Artis' after school nanny for Kierstan, Bethan and Greg Jr. I adored them so much and I saw that they had much potential. I also adored Mr. Artis, because he had an undying LOVE for his children and it really showed. But the thing that has my heart so torn is that he FINALLY found his true love in Taj, and I hate that he had to leave this earth from being with her. She was sent from heaven just for HIM. So I want to say to Taj, and the kids, always remember that Mr. Artis loved you all so much, and just know that God has a special angel in Heaven now. I want you all to keep in touch with me from this day on. I Love You All....

jason coleman

August 13, 2008

Hey Kierstian, Bethany, and Greg jr. its me Jason Coleman it used to talk to your sister a long time ago i'm sorry about your dad and send my condolences my dad died a couple of years ago and its still hard for me. Ya'll keep your head up because he is in a better place now.

Ted Kingsley

August 12, 2008

When Greg, a colleague of mine at BellSouth, visited San Diego years ago for a conference, I gave him the name of my recently widowed mother, a pastor's wife who lived in San Diego, as a contact should he need anything while there. Not only did Greg contact my mother, but they became friends, and a heartfelt correspondence ensued. Greg helped my mother through her grief and loss and was a tremendous friend and gentleman. God bless Greg and all of his family and friends.

Bob and Corine Artis

August 12, 2008

To the family and especially daddy, Willie, and brother, Joe...Our sincere condolences. It was yesterday, MON August 11th, that we learned of Greg's passing and we regret we weren't able to be w/you for his Homegoing Celebration but be assured our thoughts and prayers are with you always. We too, are saddened of his loss but he's resting in a better place. May God be with each of you and may you go in peace knowing Greg is resting from the troubles of this world and having a long chat with mommy, Eloise.... a distant cousin

Liz Ruf

August 11, 2008

I worked with Greg at BellSouth Advertising and Publishing and I always admired his ability to get right to the point. He listened with interest, compassion and intellect. I appreciated his wit and abilty to juggle a number of things and always respond in a timely manner. What a loss to all of those who loved him!

Sheilah Stripling

August 11, 2008

I was one of Greg's coworkers when he worked for BellSouth. We all saw him as a bright and shining star, and admired him. He was always one to make a joyful noise. He will be missed.

Hiram Tanner

August 11, 2008

To the Artis Family.

Gregory will be missed by many people from across this great country. As a former neighbor in Columbus, Ohio, I want everyone of you to know that I felt a great since of loss for you. Joe and I were classmates and at that time, Gregory was the younger brother with the real bright future - everyone could see that. You know his accomplishments and have the memory of sharing his adult life to carry you throuh these times. My prayers go out to you, be comforted that Gregory is at rest with the Lord.

russell waldon

August 11, 2008

i attended Emory Law School with Greg from 1979 to !982. He was a serious student and, far more important, he was a good and genuine person. Greg was liked and respected by all who knew him. i never knew Greg to say an unkind word. The two of us graduated from Emory and began the practice of law in Atlanta at firms located across the street from each other. There are easier things in life than being a young associate at a large firm. Greg was always supportive, caring, and a good friend.
i will miss him.

russell waldon
atlanta, georgia

Jim Barker

August 11, 2008

I went to high school with Greg and he sat just in front of me in almost every class for 3 years. In those days, classrooms were arranged alphabetically. So Ar, was just in front of Ba (Artis and Barker). While I was sad to read of Greg's passing, I was at the same time so happy to read of the full life he had and the many accomplishments he was able to fulfill. While his life may have been shortened by this terrible disease, he completed many more wonderful things than most of us would be able to do in a hundred years. Go forth Greg into God's kingdom and all of us will join you someday and talk about everything we did.

Shirlee Scott

August 10, 2008

Dear Willie, Joe and the entire artis family,
I remember Joe and Greg as very young children. My Mom, you all called her "Aunt Mamie" and she was their day care provider. I sometimes baby sit also. I am happy to share with you at this time, surely he will be missed but we can all rejoice of the well lived life of Greg who has now gone home to be with our Lord. My thoughs and prayers are with you. Thank God for the precious memories of Greg.

Debbie (Smith) Shirreffs

August 10, 2008

I went to junior high school and high school with Greg. He was one of my closest friends and we remained in touch for a long time after he moved to Atlanta. He was a great friend and someone I respected and looked up to. I will treasure our friendship and always keep memories of good times close to my heart. My deepest prayers and sympathy to all of his family. He will be deeply missed.

Aaron C. jackson

August 9, 2008

I knew Greg in High School...I am two years younger but as a sophmore he was one of the seniors I looked up to...He was a great role model for a young Black kid new to High school...I ask God's blessings for you, his loved ones, at this difficult time. I assure you he is in a better place now, and therein lies the good news!...God be with you

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