John William Gregory, Iii

John William (Will) Gregory, III, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2007 at the age of 56. He was born August 27, 1950 in Tulsa, OK to Dorothy (Dot) Pauline Culpepper Gregory and John William (Bill) Gregory, Jr.. He was 1 of 2 siblings and grew up in Oklahoma City and Norman. Will was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, the Gregorys of Weleetka, and the Culpeppers of Mississippi. He is survived by his sister, Sally Ann Caldwell of Juneau, Alaska; his Aunts Willie Mae Culpepper of Gulfport, MS and Naomi Culpepper of Meridian, MS; and several cousins, including Rachel Adams of Tulsa, OK.
As a child, Will had a charm colored with joyfulness, honesty and empathy. He became a man who was fair in his judgment and hopeful in adversity. He was steadfast in his belief in God. His was gentle, respectful and loyal in his friendships. He will be missed for his quick wit, intelligent conversation and principled decisions.
Will grew up in Norman and graduated from Norman High School in 1968. After high school, feeling duty to family and country, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served as a Lance Corporal, Grade E-3. His specialty was Rifleman. He received a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnamese Service Medal. Will was honorably discharged in May 1971.
Will lived in the Sand Springs area before retiring in Claremore. He enjoyed time with friends, fishing and especially musket and bow hunting. Will studied electronics technology and earned an Associates Degree from Tulsa Community College. He spent most of his professional time in off shore drilling, as a Roughneck and a Driller. He enjoyed work-related trips to Spain and visited family when working off shore in the Gulf of Mexico.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 17, at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Weleetka, OK. The cemetery is off Hwy 75 east on 4th Street. The family encourages expressions of sympathy be made in the name of €œWill€ to the Claremore chapter of AA, 24435 S. Lindley Dr, Claremore, OK 74019, (918) 341-6418.
Arrangements were entrusted to Daniel C. Schaudt of Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com