Charles Wayne Gregory

Obituary for Charles Wayne Gregory

Charles Wayne Gregory, age 78 of Hamilton, passed away at Birchwood Care Center on Sunday, September 11, 2022. 

He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on May 23, 1944 to H. Gregory and Gladys F. Norvell Gregory. His father, H. Gregory, passed away in 1944 just months after his birth. A short time later, Gladys married Woodrow “Woody” Oliver who became his lifelong father. 

He was known to all as Wayne. He even had “Wayne” tattooed on his wrist to make sure everyone knew that was his name. Funny enough, he worked at Wayne Works in Richmond, IN until he found his career job at Avon Products in Springdale, OH where he worked from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. 

Wayne also umpired slowpitch softball for many years throughout Butler County and was a coach/volunteer for his children’s athletic teams. He got great enjoyment out of supporting his daughter’s 1984-1986 Hamilton High Girls Fastpitch Softball team during which time they won the 1985 AAA Ohio State Championship. 

At various times, Wayne was involved in the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Monkey Mutual Aid Society where he loved to play cards, especially poker, and he really liked to win. He loved Corvettes and owned a ‘61, ‘78, ‘91, and a ‘96 at different points in his life. For many years, he also was Santa at the “HoHo House” in downtown Hamilton and he undoubtedly put every child on the “nice” list. Later in his life, he drove a Miami University bus in Oxford and volunteered for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. 

Wayne had many friends and seemed to know everyone, but the greatest pride and joy in his life were his grandchildren. He was at his happiest when he was spending time with them. Wayne was an avid fisherman, and he was thrilled that some of his grandkids followed in his footsteps and grew to love fishing as much as he did. If he wasn’t fishing, you could find him at his grandkids’ musical, sporting or dance activities. He was their biggest fan! 

And speaking of fans, he was usually wearing blue to represent his love of Hamilton Big Blue, Butler University, and the University of Kentucky! He would wear red when he supported his grandkids though, since they all went to Fairfield City Schools! 

Wayne is survived by his two daughters, Tina (Megan) Gregory and Barbie Gregory; son, Joe Gregory and family; grandchildren, Brittany (Alex) Patrick, Michael and Mackenzie Higgins; great-grandchildren, Isabell and Aamani Patrick; siblings, Ellen Porter, Jerry Oliver, and Stella (Leona) Oliver; the mother of his children, Donna Steele; special friends, Ray Ingram and Charlie Flynn; and many other family and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Gregory; and many other family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home,1350 Millville Ave, Hamilton, Ohio. Funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 PM with Chaplain Ed Bastien officiating. Burial will follow at College Corner Cemetery. A special thank you to the staff at Birchwood Care Center and Hospice of Southwest Ohio for the compassionate care provided to Wayne in his final days.

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