Mr. Gregory Payne DeSha

Gregory Payne DeSha passed on Sept. 6, 2023 of natural causes at age 58. He was the third child of Roy DeSha, Sr and Sibyle Olive DeSha. Born in Knoxville, TN with Downs Syndrome, his mother lovingly devoted the balance of her life caring for Greg's wants and needs. Despite the odds stacked against him from the start, he beat them with the kindness of his heart. Greg only saw sunshine. He made everyone who met him a better person.
Greg lived a full and joyful life. He was a fervent country music fan and savant of all things related to the genre; a special Olympics swimmer; a devoted follower of Christ; a scourer of the Tennessean for names and places he recognized; a jokester and a flirt, falling in love with all the women he met! He was a poet of his own language.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Roy (Christine), sister, Celeste Perry (Roger), his nephews Derek DeSha, Jonathan Perry, Joel Perry (Florence), Josh Perry (Mindy), Jacob Perry (Allyson), grandnieces Hailey Perry and Hayden Perry, and grandnephew Emmett Perry.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to Michelle and Greg Doster for the exceptional care they gave Greg in his last months of life.
In lieu of flowers, Greg's family requests that donations in Greg's memory be made to Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. To make a donation, please click HERE.
A Visitation will be held at Spring Hill Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 from 10am until 12pm, with a Funeral Service beginning in the Spring Hill Chapel at 12pm. Burial to follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.