Gregory D. Walston

Gregory Darryl Walston age 69, departed his life peacefully on December 2, 2023, at 5:36 p.m. He was surrounded by his wife and loved ones.

Gregory was born on August 1, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan to Gladys McCloud. He moved to Indianapolis at a young age with his mother and sister.  Gregory attended elementary public schools #64 and #76 and went on to attend Shortridge Junior High. During his high school years, he attended Arlington High school as a freshman then completed his remaining 3 years at Broad Ripple high school graduating in 1973. Upon graduation he attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Gregory attended Olivett Baptist Church as a youth where he professed his faith and love for the Lord. As an adult he became a member of New Life Worship Center where he served as an attendant for the parking ministry then eventually joined Eastern Star Church.

Gregory gave high praises to his uncle Chris who taught him how to barbeque and sail boats. He always told the story of them overturning a sailboat at Rick’s Boatyard. He joined the YMCA with Uncle Chris where he would take him and his male cousins to swim on a regular basis. He also played Baseball at Tabernacle and Fall creek as well as boxing at St. Rita’s Pal club.

 At the young age of 13, Gregory got his first job with Jessup’s Concessions at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and for that reason, he and his wife Tanya always looked forward to attending the Indiana State Fair annually.

At the age of 17 he worked full time in the maintenance department for the Coliseum installing the American Basketball Association (ABA) Pacer’s home court over the ice-skating rink. He was an avid IU, Pacer’s and Colts fan and enjoyed going to the games and cheering them on from home.

As a young adult Gregory worked at the Columbia Club as a bus boy where he developed an interest for fine dining. He loved quality food and preferred 5-star dining experiences. His love for music, arts and entertainment was shared throughout the years with his wife and children attending several concerts and events. Gregory’s appearance was important to him, and he prided himself on always looking his best. Even with his big and tall stature, he had exquisite taste in clothing and home décor. He loved to shop in various cities such as Chicago and Cincinnati for the best threads.  His look and style were always top tier and nothing less than the best!

Gregory achieved his goal of joining Allison Transmission which he referred to as one of the “Big 3”. On June 21, 1976, he joined Allison Transmission when it was still a division of General Motors. He started as a Radio Drill Operator at Plant 5 and later retired as an Oiler at Plant 12 with 33 years of service. He was a dedicated employee and developed many friendships that he cherished to this day.

Gregory was proceeded in death by Mother Gladys Louise Walston; stepfather Jack Walston; sister, Clarissa Marie Parks; brother, Clarence Parks. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Tanya Walston; daughters, Tamara Blanchard, Stacey Walston and Alexus Walston; son, Greylor Walston; brothers, Ronald Parks (Hermia) and Jack Walston (Monica); sisters, Frances Moore (Will) and Brenda Furguson (Daryl); a beloved aunt, Helen Christmon; 3 grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and many friends.