Mr. Harry Black Gregory, Sr.

Harry B. Gregory, Sr. of Columbia, died Wednesday, August 9, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born August 11, 1936, in Walterboro, South Carolina, he was a son of the late William C. and Jessie V. Gregory. Mr. Gregory was a US Army Reserves veteran and was honorably discharged after receiving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was a 1961 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and was a member and past President of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Mr. Gregory became a licensed Certified Public Accountant on December 15, 1961. He began his accounting career at Derrick, Stubbs & Stith, CPAs prior to becoming a founding partner in the firm of Gregory, Brigman and Leach which evolved into Rogers, Gregory, and Brigman with multiple offices throughout the state of South Carolina. In 1976, Mr. Gregory formed Harry B. Gregory and Associates, CPAs, PA, where he remained a shareholder until his passing. Mr. Gregory was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a former Deacon. He was also active in numerous civic and professional organizations in Columbia over the last five decades. In recognition of his loyal service, he was presented The Order of the Silver Crescent, the State of South Carolina's most prestigious service award. He supported those in the accounting community through his memberships in the American Institute of CPAs, as well as the South Carolina Association of CPAs. Mr. Gregory was named as Emeritus Trustee in recognition and honor of exceptional service to the Carolina Children’s Home. A Life Member of Sertoma International, he was elected to serve as Treasurer and, thereafter, as President and Chairman of the Columbia Sertoma Club. Mr. Gregory received numerous awards from Sertoma, including recognition as “Sertoman of the Year” for outstanding service to the community – at which time it was noted he “truly exemplifies one who demonstrates the true meaning of service to mankind.” An avid supporter of the University of South Carolina and its athletic programs, Mr. Gregory was a lifetime member of the Gamecock Club for 62 consecutive years. He was recognized as the Gamecock Club Member of the Year by the Richland County Gamecock Club. Mr. Gregory was also the leading organizer of the group that created and published Spurs & Feathers, "The Authority on Gamecock Sports," for more than three decades. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Phyllis; sons, Harry B. Gregory, Jr. and Richard A. Gregory (Dawn); and a granddaughter, all of Columbia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers and three sisters. The service for Mr. Gregory will be held at 2 o'clock, Wednesday, August 16 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, with the Rev. David H. Lauten officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock on Tuesday, August 15 at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, South Carolina. Burial in the churchyard of First Presbyterian Church will be private. The family would like to express its appreciation to Dr. Jeffrey D. Hook and the staff of Amedisys who assisted with the care of Mr. Gregory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or First Presbyterian Church Columbia.

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Mr. Harry Black Gregory, Sr.

August 11, 1936 - August 9, 2023