Tributes

Charles Gregory (Greg) Stevenson departed this life on May 21, 2022 thereby allowing those who loved him most to get in the last word. Greg came into this world on May 23, 1960. He was the youngest son of Angie Stevenson. Folks said he was so pretty he could have been a dolly (AKA Baby Doll). The nickname stuck. For close family and friends, he grew up being called “Dolly.” Greg’s athletic exploits were part of the family folklore. His baseball talents were honed by the many Sunday afternoons spent playing the game in the cow pasture near his childhood home. His skills were recognized when he was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy of his high school baseball team. He demonstrated exceptional talent for the game of pool. Unsuspecting patrons of the local pool hall soon found themselves a few dollars lighter after playing a game with him. Greg played golf in high school. That experience was the foundation for a lifelong love of the game. Greg was a foodie before the word was even cool. He never met a piece of bar-b-que chicken, tater log or “flat fried” egg that he did not like. Large quantities of 1000 Island Dressing were enhanced by a few leaves of lettuce as part of his nod towards healthy eating. Foodstuffs were typically washed down with a large glass of sweet tea or a Coca Cola. During family gatherings everyone hastened to get ahead of Greg in the serving line because all were fully aware that there would be limited amounts of food left if he got ahead of them. He was the definition of good planning. Seldom was he seen without a drink in his hand. His theory being why look for something to drink when you could just carry it around in your hand. Greg was a trailblazer in his shoe choices. He rocked the “tourist” look year round by wearing white crew socks and sandals. Bedroom shoes were soon wore out by his wearing them both around the house and on all outings in the community. For reasons that none of the family knows, he would insist on receiving a brand new pair of New Balance tennis shoes each Christmas. No one actually saw him wearing them. The location of all of these shoes remains a mystery to this day. Greg was often called the “social butterfly” by family members. He routinely greeted complete strangers with a smile, wave and a “how are you doing?” When asked how he was doing he would often be heard to reply, “finer than frog hair and not nearly as dusty.” He was unfailingly kind to others and always willing to share whatever he had. Greg never met a dog or cat he did not like (take to). Many afternoons were spent “loving on” his fur babies on the breezeway outside his home. During visits with family, he would often spend time tossing a plastic bone to the Yorkie who would immediately bring it back to be tossed again. Greg would typically be heard saying, “water break,” “water break” after about three tosses. The Yorkie completely ignored him. A trip to the beach was made memorable after he began feeding the sea gulls. Word of free food traveled fast and in a flash there were enough of them hovering overhead to convene a sea gull convention. The feeding frenzy came to a halt when family members began having to dodge the unwelcome “calling cards” falling from the sky as a result of all of that food consumption. Watching television was a favorite pastime. His preference in shows ranged from Westerns to Dr. Phil to all things golf and the Catholic Channel (a bit of mystery when considering that he was a practicing Baptist). Greg was a man of strong faith. He spoke to the Lord as though he was sitting right next to him. His prayers always ended with “in his precious name we pray.” He was never one to shy away from professing his faith even if it was not in a Baptist Church. While attending a service at Christ Church Episcopal on St. Simons Island, he got up and went to the front of the church with the regular members to take communion to the surprise of the family members there with him. Greg never missed a chance to commune with the good lord or have something to eat and drink. Those who have tolerated his shenanigans all of these years include: Keith (Joan), his brother, Marsha (James), his sister, a host of nieces and nephews and the staff and residents of Golden Personal Care Home. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM at Hardy-Towns Funeral Home in Eastman, GA. with services to follow at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 26, 2022. He will be “parked” at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tifton, GA. later that same day. In closing, you have brought so much joy, smiles and laugher to all of our lives. Take yourself a well deserved “Water Break” until we meet again.

Tributes

Charles Gregory Stevenson

May 23, 1960 - May 21, 2022