Mr. Gregory Peck Blanding received his Heavenly Wings on February 12, 2021 at his residence. He was born on December 27, 1947 in Albemarle, NC, a son of the late Reverend Albert Blanding, Sr., and Viola Wall. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Wilbur Blanding, Albert Blanding, Jr., and Adam “Mickey” Wall; three sisters, Emma Singleton, Elizabeth Blanding, and Eloise Blanding Wood.
Gregory attended West Badin School for 11 years before receiving his high school diploma from North Stanley High School. He served an enlistment in the United States Army prior to attending Guilford Technical Community College, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Cotton.
Gregory was employed with the U. S. Postal Service as a Customer Services Supervisor and retired in 2009 after 36 years of service. After his retirement, he began working at K&W Cafeteria on Holden Road in Greensboro, NC, where he earned the love and respect of his customers and co-workers.
It was not hard to find Gregory. When he was not working at the U. S. Postal Service, you could always find him swinging a tennis racket and later in life, golf clubs. PING! Is the sound you could hear in the clubhouses of Blair and Jamestown Park from a man dressed in all white. Gregory was a loving and devoted husband and devout father. There was nothing that he would not do for his family and others in need.
Left to celebrate his life and loving memories are the love of his life for more than forty-four years, Barbara Cotton Blanding; three sons, Maurice Blanding (Rachel) of Smyrna, GA, Anthony Gill of Charlotte, NC and Chris Gill (Jean) of Greensboro, NC; two sisters, Betty Jean Reid of Concord, NC and Deborah Blanding Watkins (Melvin) of Albemarle, NC; eight grandchildren, Nichole Lucas (Marcus), Jasmine Gill, Anthony Gill, II (Jenna), Kaytlyn Gill, Iiysha Keomany-Gill, Tavin, Gill, Daxton Gill, and Marley Blanding; three great-grandchildren, Alexandria Gill, Marcus Lucas, II, and Anthony Gill, III; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park. Mr. Blanding may be viewed on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Deepest Sympathies to the family of Mr. Gregory Blanding. Praying for the family! David Bryant
Deepest Sympathies to the family of Mr. Gregory Blanding. Praying for the family!
Gregory always went the extra mile to see that we had we needed at K&W. He was one of the kindest, most hard working gentleman who always had a smile to share. We will miss seeing him at K&W . Praying for God to surround you all with His peace that passes all understanding. Until we see you again my friend with Jesus some day......Deena S. Robbins
Our Deepest Sympathies to the family of Mr. Gregory Blanding, My husband and I always referred to Mr. Blanding as "Mr. Gregory" every time we saw him at K&W Cafeteria. He was the most humble man we ever had the privilege to know. He genuinely cared about every customer and he had a gracious, servant's heart. We will miss him dearly. Knowing he is now resting in the arms of Jesus, gives those who knew him, comfort. Rest in peace our sweet friend. Until we see you again...Doug and Lynne Willis
My wife and I met Gregory at K&W. Unfortunately, by the time we met him, his disease had already taken a toll on his body. Even with his pain, Gregory was the perfect host. He learned very quickly that we both loved coffee, and he remembered who wanted regular, and who wanted decaf without being reminded. He never let us run out. He went around K&W treating everyone with kindness, and I'm sure he also knew what they liked. Rest in peace Gregory. You deserve it. Wayne and Janice Wooten
Thinking of your family, may God bless and comfort you at thus time. David and Betty Patterson
Sending our sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
Richard & Fannie Humphrey
Our prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Realizing God all mighty will keep you in times like this. Cousin William Strickland
Deepest Sympathy from the West Badin Community
Thinking of you and praying for your family. Cousin Virgellen
I pray God will comfort your family. I, along with my family members, got to know Gregory at K&W and was impressed by everything about him and how he always went above and beyond, and we always did the same in return as he had won our admiration, respect, and our hearts. We never parted without a hugging embrace. The last few times we were blessed to see him we were able to give him cards and gifts of appreciation. My life, my world, was a better place with Gregory in it. If I had to sum Gregory up in two words it would be: WELL DONE! I thank God for the privilege of having known such an exceptional extraordinary man. I will truly miss him, until we meet again. God Bless you. Paul.
Greg was a fine man and friend. Each time Sandra and I visited K&W he would grab our tray with a big smile / great service. We loved this man and will miss him, but know he's having the time of his life with no worries or pain. Heaven gained an Angel and we lost a special friend. Prayers for the family, "rest in peace Greg."
To The Family: Greg was a beautiful soul that God so graciously placed in the lives of his family and friends. We will miss his smile and sense of humor. God will be the source of your comfort in the coming days and we are grateful for the life of Gregory Blanding and legacy of love he left behind. God Bless each and everyone of you during this time of bereavement. Love you Tony & Daisy
To the entire Blanding and Cotton Family we the Baker & Hoke Family send our prayers to you at a time such as this. Love Tim,Debra,Ra'shaun Baker.
Prayers for comfort and strength sent forth during these difficult times,Garland Davis.
I will always miss him each time I walk into K&W.He was always so kind and the service he gave was always above the call of duty,Rest in Peace my dear friend. Ms.Nellie Holt
We offer sympathy and our most heartfelt condolences to the Blanding family. Gregory was a friend to many in the West Badin Community. May He send you comfort and peace during this trying time. Ernest and Kathryn Peoples
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trait of beautiful memories. May Jehovah God turn your time of darkness into light again. May he stay by your side during this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your cousin Hubert Strickland:
I love my brother going to miss him so much
Praying for you all. Wishing Marley had more time with her Papa, but he will always be known to her, especially how much he loves her.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Preserve and share memories of your loved one by creating a Forever Missed online memorial. More at Forever Missed