Harry Dozier "Dody" Gregory

Harry Dozier "Dody" Gregory passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024 at his home in Elizabeth City, NC after a long illness. He was born in Camden, NC on February 10, 1950, and was the son of Fletcher Lee Gregory and Wilma Gilbert Gregory.
Born and raised on his family's farm, Dody was the youngest of six siblings. As a child, he could be found jumping from the hayloft with his sister, riding his bicycle down the field paths, riding horses, and trapping animals to sell their fur. Dody often shared memories of playing football at Camden County High School, where he was voted "Most Dependable" in his senior class, as well as driving a school bus for extra cash, going to dances, and working on cars with his brother. As a young man, Dody was nicknamed "Cool" and known for his good-natured demeanor and wry sense of humor. He was raised attending services at Sawyer's Creek Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. Dody enjoyed being a farmer.
Above all things, Dody instilled in his daughters the importance of having a kind and servant heart, as well as being an honorable and reliable person. The girls never doubted the love Dody had for them and their families, always ending his conversations with "I love you and give the munchkins a hug from me." Dody's daughters, Jenna, and Kelly, fondly recall him as a creature of habit, having two unfrosted strawberry Pop-Tarts for breakfast every day and an Igloo cooler packed with a sandwich, a pack of Nabs, and a Coca-Cola or sweet tea for lunch. Dody taught his girls how to fish, ride a bike, cut the grass, throw a ball, and cheer on the Tarheels during basketball season. Dody attended their sporting events and often caught the latest teen drama with them on television.
Dody was known to enjoy good music, later becoming a member of the River City Shag Club. At weekly shag sessions, he met his wife, Linda Farnsworth, whom he married in January 2009. They created many memories together, taking trips and experiencing great joy and love later in life. Together, they enjoyed dancing, gardening, golfing, and caring for their two cats, Magnolia and Mykonos.
Dody loved fishing, especially rock fishing, and hunting. A quiet country boy, Dody sought out new and exciting experiences that brought him much enjoyment. Over his lifetime, he learned to fly a plane, drive a race car at Charlotte Motor Speedway, caught salmon in Alaska, fished and golfed in Scotland, snorkeled in Cancun, and hunted dove in Cordoba, Argentina. Dody equally enjoyed a quiet afternoon at home, watching Gunsmoke and snoozing in the recliner while wearing a pair of "fun" socks.
Dody is survived by his wife, Linda Farnsworth Gregory; daughters, Jenna Hatfield (Justin) of Camden and Kelly Mitchell (Justin) of Sneads Ferry; his sister, Sandra Brinkley of Camden; grandchildren, Stella Isolan Hatfield, Audrey Flynn Hatfield, Heath Thomas Mitchell, and Blair Sandra Mitchell; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Sterling Lee Gregory, Bobby Gilbert Gregory, Andrew "Buddy" Gregory, and Luther Glenn Gregory.
The family would like to thank Elizabeth City Health and Rehabilitation and Albemarle Home Care and Hospice for their care and support, and especially, Shawanna Hopson and Celestine Willliams, for their compassionate care and kindness while Dody was at home.
A few years ago, Dody told his loved ones that he did not wish to have a service or any "hoopla" upon his passing, but rather to be remembered simply as a man who was "fair with people and understanding of folks". Dody's family hopes you'll join them in remembering him with daily acts of kindness.
In honor of Dody's wishes, there will be a gathering of friends and family at Dody's home, Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Gregory Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.