Robert Scott Gregory

1961 - 2025

Robert Scott Gregory

July 16, 1961 - July 13, 2025

Robert Scott Gregory, 63, of Richmond, VA, passed away on Sunday, July 13, at his home. He was born in Norfolk, VA, on July 16, 1961.

Scott is survived by the light of his life, his daughter, Emily Thomas Bailey, her husband, Brandon, and their son, Isaiah, of Glen Allen, VA; his mother, Josephine Whitehurst Gregory, of Morehead City, NC; and brothers, John Gregory, of Kill Devil Hills and Randy Gregory (Michelle), of Morehead City. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Henry Gregory.

Scott was blessed by a large family that was very important to him. He is survived by nephews, Shaun (Callie), Brent (Erin) Ryan, and Henry Gregory; aunts, Susie Spruill (Booty) and Maxine Bates (Rocky); many cousins. He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents and several beloved aunts and uncles.

Scott also is survived by dear friends that he regarded as family. During a life full of incredible adventure and useful service, he encountered many fascinating people, treated hardly anyone as a stranger, and acquired friends easily and often, adopting many of them and their families as his own. They returned his love and affection and will miss him greatly.

Scott's greatest joy in life was being a father and grandfather. His nickname for his grandson Isaiah was "Lucky," and Scott counted himself that way every day, especially when Emily and Brandon decided to make the Richmond area their home.

Scott was raised in Virginia Beach, Miami, and western Virginia (Fincastle), where he graduated from Lord Botetourt High School. His life was deeply shaped by his time at the College of William & Mary and the close friends he gained there. He was a member of the Epsilon Chapter of Theta Delta Chi and the College Republicans, for which he served as state chairman, and he remained active with those communities after his 1983 graduation. During 1994-2000, he served on the College's Board of Visitors, appointed first by Governor George Allen and then reappointed by Governor Jim Gilmore.

Scott's professional life as a political strategist and government affairs consultant and his public service were intertwined. He was an exceptionally gifted and prolific writer, and he had a major positive impact on his beloved Commonwealth through the hundreds of speeches he wrote, the many policies he helped craft, and the numerous leaders he helped elect. His first service in government was as an intern in the office of US Senator John Warner, and the first campaign he ran was Southwest Virginian Jeff Stafford's campaign for the US Congress in 1984. Thereafter, he was a trusted advisor to numerous candidates and public officials during a long and fruitful career.

Scott especially relished helping young people overcome challenges, drawing on his own experiences to help and encourage and not to judge.

Scott loved traveling across the US and around the world. He found peace in the beauty and bounty of the ocean and the calming strength of the mountains. But he also loved the bright city lights, bustling spots with great jazz music, and any place where people enjoyed good times together. He was a wonderful friend and companion.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at Bliley Central Chapel at 3801 Augusta Avenue. A reception will follow at the Commonwealth Club at 401 W. Franklin St.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to to The Counseling Center at the College of William and Mary. (impact.wm.edu/gregory) or checks may be mailed to William and Mary in memory of Scott Gregory for the Counseling Center (0706) to Office of University Advancement, Gift Administration, P.O Box 1693, Boone, IA 50950.