Herman Gregory, “JR”, “Packer-head”, born December 6, 1996 died unexpectedly May 22, 2021.
Kind, truthful,Stanley Recreation football player, friendly, South PointRed Raider football player and diehard fan,witty, self proclaimed rapper, charming, Momma’s boy, Red Gatorade lover, one of the greatest coaches for Stanley Recreation baseball and basketball, energetic, Facebook fanatic, chicken wing connoisseur, friend to everyone.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Happiness is not a goal...it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” Herman lived that life. He lived a life that gave more than he took from this world. In twenty four short years, the small towns of Stanley and Belmont were blessed with his bigger than life personality, magnetism and humor.
Herman grew up in Stanley, NC. While there he played football for Stanley Middle School. His touchdown run remains a town legend and is remembered fondly by all.
After middle school, his dream of playing for the South Point Red Raiders came to fruition. Herman was known not only for always having a smile on his face, but his uncanny ability to support and lift the spirit of his teammates, his “brothers”. Herman was loved by his teammates, coaches and fans alike. Due to his popularity, it came as no surprise when Herman took the field, the stands would erupt with cheers. But it was in the fall of 2015, when he took the field against his team's biggest rival, East Gaston. What happened that night is something legends are made from. Herman will go down in history for being the sole reason that both sides of the field erupted in jubilant cheers. For that brief moment in time, Herman did the impossible and united rivals South Point and East Gaston as they cheered for a common player, their Herman.
Herman loved big and never met a stranger. If he had met you, he remembered you by name. He went out of his way to include everyone. He made sure not only his momma, but even strangers were not going without while he was around.
Although Herman did not have a home church. He lived like Jesus every day. His upbringing was one rooted in respecting his elders and treating all people with genuine love. Herman was a testament to loving thy neighbor. And love them he did- his family, his community, young, old, and all skin colors. Herman loved people and was in his element in the company of others.
Herman would proudly graduate from South Point High School in 2016. Although he dreamed of being Chief of Police in Stanley, NC, he was much more than any job title to his community. Herman will be forever missed and his signature gift of joy will never be forgotten.
Herman was preceded in death by his father, Herman Sr., sisters April and Hermine Gregory, and nephew Stephon White. He leaves behind his mother, Brenda, sisters, Stephanie, Brenda K (Darrell), Melissa McCloud, and brother Lamar Gregory, and numerous nieces and nephews. Herman also leaves behind many close friends in the Stanley community. Herman loved you dearly, just like family.
Funeral is being handled by Painter Funeral and Cremation Services.
Receiving of friends will be held from 1-2:00pm Friday at Alexis Baptist Church. A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
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