Gregory Neil McEwen

On December 17, 2025, Gregory Neil McEwen went to be with his Lord and Savior. He was a loving, kind, brave, and faithful man whose life was defined by devotion to God, family, and those he loved. Conscientious, hardworking, and dependable, Greg quietly led by example and made those around him feel safe and deeply cared for.
Greg was born on June 21,1947, at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, to Frances Elizabeth Winn McEwen and Hugh Clyde McEwen. As the son of a career Air Force officer, his childhood was shaped by service, patriotism, and strong family bonds. He spent his early years in Georgia, which he always considered home, and later lived in Tucson, Arizona, before returning to Georgia to complete high school at Therrell High School in Atlanta and graduating from the University of West Georgia.
Greg's faith took root early in life. During the Korean War, while his father was stationed overseas, Greg lived with his mother and grandmother in Atlanta. It was there, at age six, that he learned about Jesus-an experience that left a lifelong imprint on his faith.
During his youth Greg excelled in baseball, football, track, and later distance running. Following college graduation, his love of country led him to serve in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War era, where he trained in Monterey, California.
Greg met the love of his life, Janis Brandenburg, at age sixteen through their United Methodist youth group. They married on August 16, 1969, and earlier this year celebrated 56 years of marriage. Their love was unwavering, joyful, and evident to all who knew them.
Greg devoted his professional life to a career with Gulf Oil Company, later British Petroleum (BP). Traveling throughout the Southeast, he built lasting relationships with his clients-many of whom became lifelong friends. A job transfer brought Greg and Janis to Brentwood, Tennessee, where they made their home for the next 42 years.
Greg was a devoted husband, a loving father to Heather McEwen Senter and Jennifer McEwen, and a proud father-in-law to Ryan Townsend Senter. He cherished his role as "D-Daddy" to his granddaughters Lily, Eloise, and Martha Wynn Senter. His family was his greatest joy, and he instilled in them the values of faith, kindness, integrity, hard work, and the importance of education.
Endlessly capable and resourceful, Greg was a true handyman who could fix anything. He brought humor and creativity into everyday life, creating countless memories for his children and grandchildren. He especially loved travel and family beach vacations, where sunsets-and the legend of the Green Flash-became treasured reminders of time well spent together.
Greg loved Christmas and delighted in creating its magic for his family. As a grandfather, he famously donned a Santa Claus suit each Christmas Eve, bringing joy not only to his granddaughters but to friends' grandchildren as well.
Greg was deeply connected to his community, especially Brentwood United Methodist Church, where he was an active member of the Joyful Noise Sunday School Class and Band of Brothers Bible study. In retirement, he and Janis traveled extensively with friends, creating lasting memories across the United States and abroad.
Above all, Greg's life reflected faith, love, devotion, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on through his family, his faith, and the many lives he touched.
Greg is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janis Brandenburg McEwen; daughters, Heather McEwen Senter and Jennifer McEwen; son-in-law, Ryan Townsend Senter; granddaughters, Lily Elizabeth, Mary Eloise, and Martha Wynn Senter; sister, Mary Elizabeth McEwen Cowan; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Carol and Steve Alford, Debra and Robert Gerardo; and beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brentwood United Methodist Church c/o Joyful Noise Sunday School Class Foundation, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 https://bumc.net/give or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/donate/.
To leave a condolence or share a memory of Greg, please visit the Tribute Wall.