Elvis Gregory

Elvis "Ray" Gregory, 48, of Iola, Kansas, died Sunday, February 21, 2010, at his home. He was born January 3, 1962, at Iola, Kansas, the son of George Robert "Bob" and Vena Faye (Cuppy) Gregory, Jr. He grew up in LaHarpe until his mother's death. He graduated from Linwood High School and served in the United States Army from 1980 to 1983 then transferred to the Reserves. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal in 1985. He was currently serving in the Kansas Army National Guard. He was a missionary evangelist having attended Independent Baptist College in Dallas, Baptist Bible College in Springfield, and he received his doctorate in biblical theology and certificate of ordination from Freelandia Bible College and Seminary. He started his own church in Copperas Cove, Texas. Ray has also worked as a security guard for Midwest Security in Springfield, MO, and Murray Guard, Inc. in Tennessee, as a computer operator for First Community Services in Killeen, Texas, as a teacher's assistant at Central Texas College and at Lifetime Surfaces at LaHarpe, Kansas. On September 29, 1987, he married Cheri Lynn Breshears at Springfield, Missouri. She brought one son, Douglas Wayne Nelson, Jr., to the marriage who Ray helped raise. One son was born to their union, Brandon Lee Gregory. They later separated. SURVIVORS: 1 Son: Brandon Lee Gregory of Iola, KS 1 Brother: Robert "Bob" Gregory of Chanute, KS 1 Sister: Bessie Crowell & her husband, Rick of LaHarpe, KS. She had been his caregiver since July 2009. Caregiver: Katie Robb of Iola, who was like a daughter to him Brother-In-Law: Chuck Splechter of Buffalo, KS Numerous Nieces & Nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, an baby brother, John Russell Gregory and a sister, Mary Splechter. VISITATION: 5:00-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 1:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at the Iola Baptist Temple. Rev. Roger Collins, Rev. Art Collins and Rev. Al Hartzler will officiate. BURIAL: Iola Township Cemetery east of Piqua, KS, with military honors. MEMORIAL: Iola Baptist Temple Missionary Fund Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com ,