John Richard Gregory

Gregory, John Richard, 85, of South Boston, Virginia, passed away on January 21^st, 2022. He was born in Rocky Gap, Virginia on November 28^th, 1936 to John Higgenbotham Gregory and Ollie Mae Linkous Gregory. He was married for 66 years to Constance “Connie” Jones Gregory, who survives him. He is also survived by his son Richard “Rick”; four grandchildren, Lauren, John, Erin, and Colleen; and three great-grandchildren, Hagan, Campbell, and Roma. Additional survivors include his brother James “Eddie”, and daughter-in-law Sonja, widow of his beloved son Michael “Mike” who preceded him in death. In addition to Mike, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Robert “Warren”.

Richard spent his youth in Rocky Gap where he met Connie. The son of a schoolteacher and a dairy farmer, Richard developed a love of learning and a passion for agriculture. At the age of 16, he enrolled in Virginia Polytechnical Institute where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Agronomy and a Master’s degree in Horticulture. After graduation, Richard became president of the Virginia branch of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He later accepted a position as County Extension Agent in Halifax County where he mentored farmers and organized youth programs. As a well-respected member of Halifax’s agricultural community, growers looked to him for advice and guidance. In the early 1980’s when the federal Tobacco Price Support Program was in jeopardy, he co-founded the Old Dominion Tobacco Growers Association with the goal of preserving Southern Virginia’s agricultural tradition. In 1983, he testified before Congress in support of extending the Tobacco Price Support Program. His efforts were successful, and the program was extended for an additional 10 years, ensuring the livelihood of farmers everywhere.

Richard’s love of agriculture and desire to give back to the community led him to become a teacher of agriculture at Halifax County High School for 5 years. In 1988, he retired from farming and started a second career as owner of Gregory’s Jewelry and Gifts which he operated for almost 30 years.

Richard is remembered as a quietly compassionate man with a sharp wit and gentle soul. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and brother-in-law who never hesitated to put his loved one’s needs before his own. He will be forever missed.

A service will be held at Powell Funeral Home in South Boston, Virginia on Monday, January 24^th, 2022, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Powell Funeral Home. The family asks that attendees follow COVID-19 procedures and wear a mask when indoors.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements are by: Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.