Levin Melson Gregory

Levin Melson Gregory, 87, husband of Shirley Grace Outten Gregory, passed on peacefully from this life on Monday, November 12, to join his parents, Mary Matthews Melson Gregory and George Francis Gregory, who preceded him to heaven. Born October 12, 1925, Levin was the older brother of Margaret Susan Gregory Parks (John Leslie) of Belle Haven. During his early years, Levin loved rabbit and duck hunting, fishing, clamming, and crabbing in his beloved Craddock Neck. As a young man, he served his country in the Navy during World War II. He was a dedicated livestock and crop farmer up until his 80th birthday, which exemplified his faith, his love of family, and his strong work ethic. For 50 years he was a member of Craddockville United Methodist Church, and in later life, he became a member of Johnson's United Methodist Church. Farming left little spare time in Levin's life, but he did enjoy woodworking projects that he shared with others especially his children and grandchildren, and he had a passion for his beagle hounds, which he raised and trained during his entire lifetime. In his later years, Levin became an avid storyteller. He would spin tales about his boyhood in Craddock Neck and countless anecdotes of his grandparents, great grandparents, aunts and uncles, especially his Uncle Mal Kellam, and cousins, which made them all come alive for those who were privileged to hear them. Levin is survived by his dedicated wife of 64 years, and his four daughters: Martha Jo Trible (Robert) of West Point, VA, Mary Jane Cramer (Ross) of Virginia Beach, Betty Lou Charnock (Brian) of Machipongo, and Susan Leigh Dixon (Thom) of Townsend. Levin adored his ten grandchildren, Christopher Morgan Trible of Richmond, MaryMargaret Meredith and Gregory Waring Matthews Trible of West Point, Sarah Elizabeth and Joshua Stuart Cramer of Virginia Beach, Brian Tyler Charnock (Julie) of Cape Charles, Justin Gregory and Shelby Rue Charnock of Machipongo, Susanna Leigh and Katherine Reeves Dixon of Townsend with whom he shared all of his stories especially after holiday dinners. Levin will be greatly missed, but we feel some sense of peace and joy, knowing that he continues to share his stories in heaven. A funeral service and celebration of his life will be Friday, November 16, at 1:00 P.M. at Johnson's United Methodist Church with the Reverend Clarence W.Bowen, Jr. officiating, which will be followed by a reception at Johnson's Social Hall. Interment will follow in Belle Haven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his four sons-in-law, Robert Waring Trible, Ross Franklin Cramer, Brian Rue Charnock, and Thomas Hume Dixon III; a nephew, Douglas Lee Outten; a first cousin, Jack Ames Gregory; and a lifelong friend, William Robert Snyder (Bob). The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Fresenius Dialysis Center, and First Med Transport for all of their kind and caring support. We also wish to express a very special thank you to Dr. David F. Jones for all of his loving attention, personal care, and endless patience for the past few years. Donations will be received at Johnson's United Methodist Church Building Fund c/o Claudia Yearick, 12082 Blue Teal Lane, Machipongo, VA 23405. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore, Virginia.