William David Gregg

William "Bill" David Gregg

October 4, 1933 – November 27, 2025

William "Bill" David Gregg, a brilliant engineer, dedicated academic, and cherished father, passed away on November 27, 2025 at the age of 92. Born on October 4, 1933 in the small town of Glen Jean, West Virginia, Bill’s life was defined by a profound intellect and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

Bill’s academic journey began at Glen Jean Elementary, where his natural aptitude was recognized early when he was double-promoted before entering Collins High School in Oak Hill, WV. A proud member of the Class of 1951, he left the beautiful mountains of West Virginia to pursue a future in technology and innovation. Bill carried the values of his West Virginia upbringing-hard work and determination-to everything he did.

He attended Purdue University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. During his time there, Bill was elected President of Tau Beta Pi, an all-engineering honor society, as well as Vice-President of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society. Bill graduated from Purdue in 1961 with Highest Distinction. Following graduation from Purdue, Bill was awarded a fellowship from IBM to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to obtain his Master’s and then Doctorate (PhD) in Electrical Engineering.

After completing his educational studies, Bill served his country during the Korean War before joining the faculty at the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Texas at Austin. While there, he oversaw a research lab that focused on, among other areas, issues relating to telemetry and scatter communications, including the detection and processing of radar, sonar, seismic and bio-electric signals. In September of 1967, he was invited to present a paper on these topics at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, which he did in the Russian language, having studied Russian during his undergraduate years at Purdue.

Bill taught at the University of Texas as a tenured professor for many years, authoring the book “Analog and Digital Communications” before leaving to serve as a consultant for Aramco in their Saudi Arabia offices.

Following his work at Aramco, Bill went to work for IBM in their White Plains, NY headquarters, where he worked until retiring.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a devoted and loving father. He took the family on many extended camping trips across the continent, at a time when the internet did not exist and a physical map, extensive planning, and strong directional acumen were required. Because of his desire to show his family the beauty of North America, they were able to experience, by car, all but 16 of our states, and the countries of Mexico and Canada.

Bill became an avid photographer during the family travels. In an era before automated cameras, he mastered the skill of using a handheld light meter to calculate the perfect exposure and f-stop for crisp and vivid images. Because of his technical precision and keen eye, his family is blessed with a vibrant archive of slide carousels, documenting their many camping adventures in our state and national parks with timeless clarity.

Bill was preceded in death by his former wife, Patricia Ann (Miller) Gregg, and his son, Randy Gregg.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Donna (Gregg) Brooks of Austin, Texas; and his three grandchildren who brought him great pride: Avery Brooks of Denver, Colorado, Bruce Daniel Brooks of Austin, Texas, and Cory Gregg of Austin, Texas.

Graveside services will be conducted by Reverend Samuel Blaylock at 12 Noon on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Gregg Family Cemetery at his residence.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of William Gregg is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.